Sean “Diddy” Combs has officially turned down a plea deal from the U.S. government that could have helped him avoid a long prison sentence. He appeared in court on May 1 wearing a beige prison uniform and glasses, and told the judge he was rejecting the deal.
Combs, 55, is facing serious charges including sex trafficking and prostitution, with claims he forced women into extended sex parties he called “freak-offs.” He denies all charges.
If found guilty, Combs could face life in prison. His lawyer has said that while Diddy may have lived an unusual lifestyle, including being a swinger, it doesn’t make him a criminal.
Jury selection for the trial begins on May 6 — the same day as the Met Gala, where Combs was once a regular attendee. Opening statements are expected to start on May 12, and the trial may last at least eight weeks.
One key witness is his ex-girlfriend Cassie (Cassandra Ventura), who accused him of abuse and rape in a 2023 lawsuit that was settled the next day. However, video footage later surfaced showing Combs assaulting her in a hotel, which the judge has ruled can be used in court.
Since his arrest, Combs has been held in a Brooklyn jail, looking older and grayer than his past image. For trial, he’s been given special permission to wear business casual clothes instead of prison gear, so the jury isn’t influenced by his appearance.
