Diddy appeared in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday for one final hearing before his criminal trial begins and confirmed to the judge that he rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors.
TMZ reports the embattled music mogul was wearing a tan jail jumpsuit and looking noticeably thinner. He sat at the defense table between his attorneys Teny Geragos and Brian Steel, remaining calm and in seemingly good spirits throughout the proceeding.
When asked directly by the judge if he had declined a written plea offer from the government, Diddy responded, “Yes, I did.” He also acknowledged he understood that going to trial could result in more prison time if convicted, but he remained firm in his decision.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday, May 5, at 8 a.m., with the court aiming to finalize the jury within three days.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all five federal charges filed against him, including two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering.
This is the first time Diddy has personally confirmed in court that he turned down the plea deal prosecutors publicly revealed last week.
The judge also approved a request for Diddy to wear button-down shirts, pants, and lace-free shoes during the trial, which could mark the last time he is seen in a jail uniform.
