Diddy's legal representative speaks out in defense of the artist's alleged 'swinger' lifestyle, following his rejection of a plea deal
Jury selection for the trial of Sean Combs, the music mogul and entrepreneur, will begin on May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. The high-profile case is set to unfold in Manhattan federal court, presided over by US District Judge Arun Subramanian.
Combs, aged 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has been jailed in Brooklyn since September.
Prosecutors have accused Combs of using threats of physical violence and cutting off financial support to coerce women into participating in "Freak Offs". These elaborate sexual performances, allegedly days-long and drug-fueled, involved Combs recording and masturbating, according to the charges.
However, Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual. He also stated that Combs' belief in having multiple partners or hiring escorts showed he never intended to commit crimes.
The "swinger" lifestyle, which Combs is alleged to have been part of, is common, his lawyer added. This strategy forms a significant part of the defense team's efforts to secure an acquittal on sex trafficking charges.
During a hearing at the Manhattan federal court, Agnifilo spoke in Combs' defense, while Federal prosecutor Madison Smyser disclosed a plea offer to Combs, which he reportedly rejected. Smyser did not provide details about the plea offer.
Prosecutors have claimed that Combs' success concealed a dark side. They argue that he used his influence to coerce women into participating in the "Freak Offs" with male sex workers.
Combs, who is credited with helping turn rappers and R&B singers such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars in the 1990s and 2000s, has argued that the trial is a misuse of the justice system.
The trial is expected to last 8 to 10 weeks. Teny Geragos, Combs' lawyer, is leading the defense team in securing a dismissal or freedom decision against the charges of human trafficking and sexual harassment allegations. His team has been actively defending Combs in court and public image matters related to these cases.
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If convicted, Combs faces the possibility of decades in prison. The trial promises to be a significant event in the entertainment industry, with its outcome likely to have far-reaching implications.
