Diddy has reportedly turned down a deal with prosecutors, maintaining he has not done anything wrong.
The rap star rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors, with his lawyers emphasizing a defense centered around the idea that he is merely a swinger, not a criminal. During a Manhattan courthouse hearing on Friday, Rolling Stone revealed that prosecutors did, in fact, offer Diddy an agreement, which he declined. The specifics of the offer remain undisclosed.
Diddy’s legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, argued that the mogul’s lifestyle, although unconventional, did not involve any illegal or inappropriate behavior. Agnifilo explained that being a swinger is so widespread that the Bad Boy founder likely didn’t think twice about it.
Prosecutors, however, insisted that they did not want the defense to bring up examples of other public figures involved in similar activities, but Agnifilo assured the court that he would not. He did argue, however, that certain actions tied to the “lifestyle” could be relevant.
Among the other discussions, prosecutors suggested that Diddy may have forced one alleged victim to undergo a medical procedure, linking it to the sex trafficking charges. Cassie Ventura, who is scheduled to testify against Diddy, will be joined by three anonymous victims during the trial.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. The trial is set to begin on May 5th.
