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Music trade icon Sean “Diddy” Combs has formally declined a plea deal supplied by federal prosecutors, setting the stage for a high-profile legal trial subsequent week.
The 55-year-old Combs appeared in Manhattan federal courtroom on Thursday, the place Choose Arun Subramanian confirmed with him that he had reviewed and rejected the deal. “Sure, I did,” Combs replied when questioned by the choose. He appeared in courtroom carrying a tan jail uniform.
Based on Reuters, Combs is confronting 5 severe federal prices, together with intercourse trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. If convicted on all counts, he may face a life sentence. He has maintained his innocence and entered a not-guilty plea earlier within the proceedings.
On the listening to, Assistant US Legal professional Maurene Comey acknowledged that Combs had been warned of the potential for a harsher sentence if discovered responsible at trial than if he had accepted the federal government’s plea provide. Particulars of the provide, nevertheless, weren’t disclosed in courtroom.
Prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his leisure enterprise to orchestrate a disturbing scheme spanning over 20 years. He allegedly pressured girls into drug-fueled intercourse acts involving male intercourse staff, in occasions known as “Freak Offs.”
His authorized crew contends that the sexual encounters had been consensual, describing them as a part of a personal swinger way of life involving Combs and his romantic companions.
Jury Choice and Trial Timeline
Potential jurors in New York started screening this week by way of questionnaires to find out any pre-existing bias because of widespread media consideration. Chosen candidates will return for in-person questioning beginning Could 5. Opening statements are anticipated to happen on Could 12, with the trial projected to final roughly two months.
As soon as celebrated for remodeling hip-hop and launching the careers of artists like Infamous B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, Combs’ picture has sharply declined.
Since 2023, he has been named in a number of civil fits alleging sexual misconduct. His legal indictment was handed down in September 2024. Combs continues to disclaim all allegations.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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