Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed Thursday during a hearing in Manhattan federal court, that he rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors ahead of his sex trafficking trial.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs, 55, if he had reviewed and rejected the offer, to which Combs, dressed in a tan jail uniform, responded, “Yes I did, your honor.”
The plea deal, details of which were not disclosed, would have reduced the potential prison time compared to a conviction at trial, where Combs faces up to life imprisonment if found guilty on all five counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
His defense, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, argues that the sexual activities were consensual, framing Combs’ lifestyle as that of a “swinger” rather than a criminal. Prosecutors, however, allege coercion through threats, violence, and financial control, supported by evidence like a 2016 hotel security video showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, which Judge Subramanian ruled admissible despite defense claims of manipulation.
The rejection of the plea deal, first disclosed by prosecutor Madison Smyser on April 25, 2025, reflects Combs’ determination to prove his innocence in court, with sources indicating he seeks to clear his name. Jury selection begins May 5, 2025, with opening statements on May 12, and the trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks.
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