Sean “Diddy” Combs rejected a plea deal in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking case, as a federal prosecutor disclosed the offer during a hearing earlier today in New York.
Prosecutor Madison Smyser revealed that Combs had rejected the deal without providing any further details on what was offered, reports Reuters. Combs previously pleaded not guilty to the five counts outlined in his case, which accuses him of using threats of physical violence and intimidation to coerce women to engage in “Freak Offs.”
During the hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian also denied the request from Combs’ counsel to exclude the explosive video that showed him violently attacking his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a hotel in 2016. That ruling allows prosecutors to show the jury the video, which Combs’ attorneys previously claimed was altered and therefore non-admissible in the trial.
Combs had previously apologized for the actions shown in the video where he assaulted Ventura and dragged her through a hotel hallway. “I was fucked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses,” he said. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in this video. They’re disgusting. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought professional help. I’ve been going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”
A representative for Combs did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
Ventura is expected to testify at the trial under her own name. Jury selection on May 5 and opening statements are scheduled for May 12. The trial is expected to last for eight to 10 weeks.
