Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed Thursday in a Manhattan federal courtroom that he rejected a plea offer from prosecutors ahead of his criminal trial on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. The Bad Boy Records founder responded "Yes, I did" when U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked whether he turned down the written offer from the government.
The acknowledgment came during a pretrial hearing ahead of jury selection, which is scheduled to begin May 5 at 8 a.m. Prosecutors previously revealed the existence of the offer, but Thursday marked the first time Combs confirmed his rejection in open court. Details of the plea deal remain sealed, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to elaborate.
Combs, who appeared in a tan jail uniform with gray hair, is facing five federal charges: two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty. Judge Subramanian reminded the defendant that conviction could result in a lengthier sentence than the proposed deal, to which Combs stated he understood.
The 55-year-old music executive has been held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his September arrest. Thursday's hearing also covered procedures for jury selection, which will begin with sequestered questioning of approximately 150 candidates. Each juror will be interviewed individually in the judge's courtroom to address potential biases, with sensitive matters addressed in private sidebar discussions. The court aims to seat 12 jurors and several alternates within three days.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, will begin with opening statements on May 12, barring any scheduling delays from the privacy protections built into the jury selection process. Judge Subramanian emphasized the importance of staying on schedule, asking participants whether sidebars could cause disruption. "Time is of the essence," he said.
A key piece of evidence expected to be presented is 2016 hotel security footage showing Combs physically assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The video, aired last year by CNN, depicts Combs chasing, hitting, and dragging Ventura through a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Judge Subramanian ruled the jury will see the footage, which Combs apologized for publicly before deleting the statement. Ventura has agreed to testify under her real name.
Combs' attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, are expected to argue that the charges are part of a racially motivated campaign to criminalize nonconforming sexual behavior. In previous filings, they criticized what they described as "unconstitutionally broad" search warrants used in raids on Combs' properties and devices earlier this year.
While he has failed to suppress evidence or obtain bail, Combs scored a procedural win this week when Judge Subramanian granted permission for him to wear civilian clothing during trial. He will be allowed up to five button-down shirts, five pairs of pants, sweaters, socks, and two pairs of lace-free shoes. No provisions were mentioned regarding hair dye, meaning jurors will see Combs with the white hair he has grown since his incarceration.
Combs is also a defendant in numerous civil suits alleging assault and abuse. Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated coercive sexual events-referred to as "freak-offs"-involving drugs, violence, and forced participation by men and women. Ventura is one of four victims identified by federal prosecutors.
Unlike earlier court dates, none of Combs' family members appeared in court Thursday.
