Diddy Rejects Plea Deal as Sex Trafficking Trial Approaches

Diddy is set to face a federal sex trafficking trial beginning May 5 in New York City. At a hearing on April 25, he rejected a government plea deal, opting instead to proceed to trial.

The trial stems from a 2024 indictment charging Sean Combs with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated “freak-off” events involving male sex workers and coerced women into participating. Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, is expected to testify, and the 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting her will be presented as evidence.

Combs’ legal team has sought access to Cassie’s bank statements, personal diaries, emails and drafts of her forthcoming tell-all book. Judge Arun Subramanian granted this request, allowing the defense to review some of these materials in preparation for trial.

With jury selection underway, the trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks. While federal courtrooms typically do not permit cameras, all of Combs’ previous court proceedings have been open to media and the public, raising questions about the possibility of televised coverage.