In a new twist in the sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs, the fallen rapper is said to be ready to mount a somewhat unusual defense – and a group of escorts was ready to testify to help him.
The 51-year-old rap mogul, who was arrested in September, was indicted on felony charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation of prostitutes.
Combs allegedly organized “freak parties” to entice people to engage in sex with male prostitutes. According to the indictment, he allegedly supplied the drugs and used coercive measures to ensure their participation in the offending.
The encounters were allegedly surreptitiously recorded by Diddy, leading to accusations of abuse and exploitation.
According to AllHipHop, the 55-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty and plans to refute the government’s story by having at least six prostitutes testify.
His lawyers say these witnesses will contradict what the prosecution claims happened to the accused parties.
“Our investigation is ongoing and so I cannot say too much about this,” said a lawyer on the prosecution team. “However, half a dozen escorts are just the tip of the iceberg of the number of escorts who have participated in disturbances.
Diddy faces serious charges, including one count of conspiracy to commit fraud that could carry a life sentence.
He is also charged with one count of trafficking in sex by force, fraud or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a second count of trafficking in prostitution, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years.
In any event, Diddy is facing a separate legal hearing regarding allegations of attempting to contact witnesses while in jail, which could affect his bail status ta.
Diddy was released from police custody and remains in custody in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. It’s a case that highlights deeper issues of power and consent in Hollywood and beyond, and one that has attracted huge media attention.
More details about the ongoing drama between Diddy and Cassie will be revealed when he has his next court date. Both sides seem ready for a legal battle.
Tags Sean “Diddy” Comb, Diddy