As Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial is about to begin on Monday, both the defense and prosecution are facing some issues. The prosecution has lost contact with one of the key victims, referred to as Victim 3, and can’t find her, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey.
“This is a big problem for the prosecution,” said lawyer John J. Perlstein. “I don’t think it affects other charges, but it will hurt the one involving the missing victim. Sometimes, people decide they don’t want to be part of such a big case. Good prosecutors will adapt, but hopefully, they don’t depend too much on one person.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has hit obstacles even before it officially begins.
Not having witnesses show up can add extra pressure to a trial, and sometimes witnesses become unresponsive for many reasons, explained Judie Saunders, a lawyer from ASK LLP in New York City.
“If the witness doesn’t show, that’s a big problem,” said entertainment lawyer Tre Lovell. “One big question here is why there are only three or four actual victims testifying, especially with all the civil lawsuits and ‘victims’ out there. Having just a few victims after two decades of alleged crimes is telling. While there will be other witnesses, the victims’ testimonies will be the most important.”
Diddy’s trial includes charges like racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting people for prostitution, in a federal case unsealed in September. He has denied the charges. If convicted, he faces at least 15 years in prison, or possibly life.
Authorities claim Diddy ran a criminal operation through his businesses like Bad Boy Entertainment, using threats, abuse, and force to fulfill his sexual desires.
