Photo Credit: Wesley Tingey
Combs appeared in court on Thursday, formally rejecting the US government’s plea offer that would reduce his potential prison sentence if he would plead guilty. When asked by Judge Arun Subramanian if he rejected the prosecution’s plea deal, Combs answered, “Yes, I do, your honor. Thank you.”
As the disgraced musician’s federal sex trafficking trial gets underway, at least four witnesses who have already filed civil suits against Combs are expected to testify against him. While the witness list has not been made public, three individuals familiar with the matter told CNN anonymously about those likely to testify.
Unsurprisingly, the central witness is Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, the singer and ex-girlfriend of Combs, who will testify under her real name. The judge has permitted the other three witnesses and alleged victims to testify under pseudonyms to aid in protecting their identities. In court documents, they are referred to as “Victim-2,” “Victim-3,” and “Victim-4.”
Combs is facing over 60 civil lawsuits, which are notably separate from his criminal trial. But many of those lawsuits served as a “roadmap” for prosecutors, according to sources close to the matter.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, transportation to engage in prostitution, and sex trafficking. Combs continues to vehemently deny all civil allegations against him.
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Diddy Rejects Government Plea Deal As Sex Trafficking Trial Gets Underway – Digital Music News
