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Diddy was again in court docket Thursday for one more listening to forward of his federal trial, which is about to start Monday.
Even though he’s facing life behind bars if convicted, the music mogul — whose actual identify is Sean Combs — formally rejected a plea deal throughout in the present day’s look in entrance of the decide.
Prosecutors made their supply forward of the listening to, so the precise phrases are unclear.
However in the present day, Combs formally declared that he would not be accepting the deal, which might’ve seemingly led to a a lot shorter sentence.
In keeping with ABC News, when Choose Arun Subramanian requested him whether or not he rejected the plea deal federal prosecutors had supplied, Diddy responded, “Sure I do, your honor.”
Combs was arrested last year on rape and intercourse trafficking expenses. He’s been behind bars ever since after a number of bail requests had been denied.
The rapper requested for a delay to his Could 5 trial within the hope of permitting his authorized crew extra time to arrange, however that request was additionally denied.
The rejection of the plea deal is likely to be a sign that Combs is optimistic about his possibilities of being acquitted.
Nevertheless it’s equally doable that the deal supplied by prosecutors would have required a number of a long time behind bars, and Combs was merely unwilling to pay that value.
Jury choice is about to start out on Monday, with opening arguments scheduled for Could 12.
At present’s listening to was a quick however contentious one, as attorneys for Combs lashed out concerning the conduct of opposing counsel.
Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos raised considerations about public feedback made by Lisa Bloom, an legal professional who’s representing two of Diddy’s alleged victims in civil trials.
“We’re involved along with her conduct right here,” mentioned Geragos.
What’s subsequent for Diddy?
With greater than 20 witnesses set to testify, prosecutors appear fairly sure of their case towards Diddy. And if he’s convicted, it’s not possible that he’ll ever stroll free.
The racketeering conspiracy cost towards 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 info turns into accessible.
