Sean “Diddy” Combs has declined a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors, opting to face a jury trial next week on multiple criminal charges, including s*x trafficking.
The former hip-hop mogul, once hailed for his influence in music and fashion, is now preparing for a highly publicized legal battle that will begin with jury selection on May 5 in a New York federal court.
During a pretrial hearing Thursday, Combs appeared in court wearing tan prison-issued clothing, glasses and carrying a black folder of documents.
He greeted members of his legal team with fist bumps and smiles and worked closely with attorney Teny Geragos as they reviewed paperwork together. He will be permitted to wear civilian clothing once jury selection begins.
The judge presiding over the case, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, confirmed with Combs that he had received and read the plea offer.
“I have, your honor,” Combs replied. When asked if he had rejected the deal, he said, “Yes I did, your honor.”
No details of the agreement were made public, but prosecutors indicated that the terms included reduced sentencing in the event of a conviction, the Daily Mail reports.
Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told the court that the plea offer had been discussed last week and the decision not to accept it was made jointly.
Jury selection will be conducted in groups of 50, with each potential juror questioned individually. Any sensitive matters raised will be addressed privately at the bench and shielded from public record.
In a separate ruling earlier this week, Judge Subramanian granted Combs permission to wear non-prison clothing during trial.
He may receive up to five shirts, five sweaters, five pairs of pants, five pairs of socks and two pairs of shoes without laces. The court made no mention of jewelry, which could permit Combs to wear accessories if desired.
Thursday’s hearing also addressed growing concerns over public commentary from attorneys connected to alleged victims.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos called out Lisa Bloom—who represents one of Combs’ accusers—for making “very disturbing” comments in a BBC interview.
The judge warned that all attorneys must “adhere to their obligations under the rules of professional conduct” and said he would “not tolerate anything that would impair the defendant’s right to a jury trial.”
Combs’ legal team also filed a letter to the court earlier this week criticizing continued media remarks by attorneys representing accusers and witnesses.
The filing specifically cited Douglas Wigdor, attorney for ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, for allegedly prejudicing the jury pool by discussing a 2016 surveillance video involving Combs.
“Absent a Court order, we expect the publicity to not only continue, but escalate as trial commences,” the letter read, according to the Daily Mail.
The 55-year-old Combs, also known for founding the Sean John fashion label, faces multiple federal charges and remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He has denied all allegations against him.
Opening statements in the trial are scheduled for May 12. The courtroom was notably absent of family members during Thursday’s proceedings, unlike earlier hearings where relatives had attended in support.
