Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, choosing to face trial rather than accept a plea deal from prosecutors.
The decision was confirmed on Thursday during a court session before US District Judge Arun Subramanian in New York. The judge also set guidelines for the jury selection process, known as voir dire, which will respect jurors’ privacy, particularly around any personal experiences with sexual or domestic abuse.
Judge Subramanian emphasized the court’s intent to seat 12 jurors and six alternates within three days, to ensure a timely start to the trial proceedings.
Diddy, 54, has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, which stem from multiple claims brought forward in recent months. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledged that federal prosecutors had proposed a plea deal, which his client firmly rejected.
Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey noted that the deal would have resulted in a lighter sentence than if Combs is found guilty on all counts during trial.
The high-profile case continues to attract national attention as it unfolds, given Combs’ long-standing influence in the music industry and the serious nature of the allegations.
