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Diddy was again in courtroom Thursday for an additional listening to forward of his federal trial, which is about to start Monday.
Although he’s dealing with life behind bars if convicted, the music mogul — whose actual title is Sean Combs — formally rejected a plea deal throughout right this moment’s look in entrance of the choose.
Prosecutors made their provide forward of the listening to, so the precise phrases are unclear.
However right this moment, Combs formally declared that he would not be accepting the deal, which might’ve seemingly led to a a lot shorter sentence.
In accordance with ABC Information, when Decide Arun Subramanian requested him whether or not he rejected the plea deal federal prosecutors had provided, Diddy responded, “Yes I do, your honor.”
Combs was arrested final yr on rape and intercourse trafficking expenses. He’s been behind bars ever since after a number of bail requests have been denied.
The rapper requested for a delay to his Could 5 trial within the hope of permitting his authorized crew extra time to organize, however that request was additionally denied.
The rejection of the plea deal is perhaps a sign that Combs is optimistic about his possibilities of being acquitted.
However it’s equally potential that the deal provided by prosecutors would have required a number of many years behind bars, and Combs was merely unwilling to pay that value.
Jury choice is about to begin on Monday, with opening arguments scheduled for Could 12.
Right now’s listening to was a short however contentious one, as attorneys for Combs lashed out in regards to the conduct of opposing counsel.
Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos raised issues about public feedback made by Lisa Bloom, an legal professional who’s representing two of Diddy’s alleged victims in civil trials.
“We’re concerned with her behavior here,” stated Geragos.
What’s subsequent for Diddy?
With greater than 20 witnesses set to testify, prosecutors appear fairly sure of their case in opposition to Diddy. And if he’s convicted, it’s not possible that he’ll ever stroll free.
The racketeering conspiracy cost in opposition to Combs carries a most sentence of life in jail by itself.
The intercourse trafficking cost carries a compulsory minimal sentence of 15 years in jail and as a lot as a life sentence.
We’ll have additional updates on this growing story as new data turns into accessible.
