American music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs has declined a plea offer from U.S. federal prosecutors, choosing instead to face trial on serious criminal charges.
During a court hearing on Thursday, Combs—also widely recognized as P. Diddy—confirmed to Judge Arun Subramanian that he was turning down the proposed deal that could have significantly reduced his potential prison sentence. When asked directly by the judge if he was rejecting the plea, Combs replied, “Yes, I do, Your Honour.”
His trial is set to begin Monday, starting with jury selection. He is facing multiple felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs organized coercive sexual encounters, which he allegedly called “freak-offs.”
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey noted that the plea deal would have spared Combs a lengthy prison term. A full conviction on all charges, however, may carry a sentence equivalent to life imprisonment.
Dressed in a beige jail outfit, Combs appeared composed in court—sharing smiles, embracing his defense attorneys, and giving a fist bump to one of his lawyers, Teny Geragos.
During the hearing, Geragos raised an objection to public remarks made by attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents at least two of Combs’ civil accusers and recently spoke in a documentary.
“We’re concerned with her behaviour here,” Geragos said.
In response, Judge Subramanian assured the courtroom that he would remind all attorneys and witnesses involved to follow professional conduct and avoid public commentary that could compromise the fairness of the proceedings.
via: Information Nigeria
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