Sean 'Diddy' Combs Rejects Plea Deal as Trial Nears

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has formally rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors in his high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering case, opting instead to proceed to trial where he faces the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed Combs' decision in a Manhattan courtroom and emphasized the need for all attorneys and witnesses to adhere to rules of professional conduct, following defense concerns over public statements made by an accusers' attorney. Jury selection is scheduled to begin May 5, with prospective jurors undergoing individualized, sequestered questioning due to the sensitive nature of the charges. Notably, the court has ruled that security footage showing Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 will be shown to the jury, and Ventura is set to testify under her own name. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains held without bail since his arrest. Opening statements are slated for May 12, and the court is working to ensure a fair and expedient selection of the final jury panel.