The music mogul appeared in a New York court on Thursday, where he rejected the plea deal. Combs, 55, is set to stand trial on multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has rejected a last-ditch plea bargain just days before his sex crimes court trial is due to kick off in New York.
This bold move was made before one of the most monumental legal face-offs in US history, with jury selection set to start on Monday (May 45). The 55-year-old hip-hop heavyweight showed up in court on Thursday (May 1) wearing standard-issue prison clothing.
At a pretrial session presided over by US District Judge Arun Subramanian, Diddy swore in to confirm he’d declined the prosecution’s deal.
Prosecutors indicated it would’ve slashed potential jail time had Diddy taken the deal and subsequently been convicted. Quizzed by Judge Subramanian about whether he’d reviewed the plea, Diddy answered, “I have, Your Honour,” reports the Mirror.
His legal team, helmed by Marc Agnifilo, verified that they’d thrown out the deal last week post-negotiation.
The rejection ensures that the trial, which stems from multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking, will begin on May 12 at the federal courthouse in Manhattan.
Combs rocked up to court looking more grey and unkempt than in previous appearances, sharing warm embraces and fist bumps with his legal team, including attorney Teny Geragos. Strikingly, Combs’ family were nowhere to be seen at Thursday’s hearing, despite showing face at past sessions.
Judge Subramanian has allowed for Combs to ditch the standard prison clothing during his trial. Starting Monday, the Bad Boy Records mogul can wear up to five shirts, five pairs of trousers, five jumpers, and a couple of lace-free shoes.
If found guilty, Combs could face a life sentence. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
