If Diddy’s sex trafficking case goes to trial, one legal expert says his “rich and powerful” friends could be called to testify.
Attendees at the rapper’s bizarre party, whose real name is Sean Combs, could also face charges.
Diddy is currently being held in New York after being denied bail for a second time.
After his arrest on Monday, the Bad Boy Records mogul saw a wide-ranging indictment with disturbing allegations made public.
Diddy, who intends to plead not guilty, is facing multiple charges of sex trafficking, extortion and facilitating interstate prostitution.
This prominent presence in the entertainment industry over the years has established close relationships with influential figures such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Usher and Rick Ross.
In fact, for his 50th birthday in 2019, Diddy’s guest list included Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Leonardo DiCaprio, Pharrell, and Snoop Dogg.
In a recent interview with The US Sun, Neama Rahmani, current President of West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former prosecutor, shared insights into the potential impact of the upcoming trial on his prominent inner circle.
“Jay-Z and other celebrities may be subpoenaed, but they will almost certainly assert their Fifth Amendment privilege not to incriminate themselves and refuse to testify,” the legal expert said.
“People who engage in sexual acts should be particularly concerned because they could also be charged with sex trafficking or prostitution, depending on whether they used force or intimidation on the victim.”
“If Jay-Z was just a witness who did not participate in the sexual act, he could be called to testify at trial.”
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Rahmani said he doesn’t expect Beyonce’s husband to be subpoenaed if he is involved. The likely scenario is that Jay-Z and others in their high-profile confrontations or are not called to testify. Prosecutors are reportedly trying to avoid calling witnesses who are involved in criminal activity but are granted immunity.
“It would be shocking if any of Combs’ rich and powerful friends were involved in sexual acts and if he betrayed them,” Rahmani said, referring to something Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell did not do.
“This would be surprising because he is the most culpable person and prosecutors would not necessarily take a deal with him, especially when they have less culpable witnesses who could give that testimony,” the attorney added.
Rahmani believes Diddy can only count on support from his family and closest friends during the difficult times ahead, as he doubts his famous friends will stand by him as he faces the possibility of jail time.
READ MORE: Diddy’s inner circle under scrutiny: New legal risks emerge amid sex trafficking scandal
Tags Diddy, Jay-Z, P. diddy, Sean Combs