Currently, Sean “Diddy” Combs remains incarcerated as he awaits his criminal trial, having lost an appeal to secure bail and likely facing an extended stay in jail.
On September 17, the prominent music executive faced charges including racketeering, se*x trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Diddy has entered a not guilty plea and vehemently denies the allegations, which have arisen despite a series of lawsuits over the past 10 months claiming se*xual abuse.
The most recent lawsuit was filed on September 24 by a woman who alleges that in 2001, she was drugged, raped, and restrained by Diddy and a former bodyguard.
Former girlfriend Cassie Ventura could testify despite settling a civil suit and having an NDA
She claims to have discovered in November 2023 that the alleged assault had been recorded and distributed as pornography. This lawsuit marks her as the eleventh individual to accuse Diddy of se*xual assault.
While Diddy has not publicly commented on the alleged “freak offs,” various older videos featuring him discussing his notorious parties have resurfaced online.
What impact do these revived clips have on Diddy’s case? Is a plea deal being considered? And what are the next steps? Legal experts shared insights with Yahoo Entertainment regarding these pressing inquiries.
Could Diddy’s Past Viral Videos Play a Role in His Legal Case?
In public perception, the answer is affirmative; however, in a courtroom setting, they are likely inconsequential.
Since Diddy’s arrest, numerous clips have gained traction, including a 2002 interview on Late Night With Conan O’Brien, where he spoke about the excitement of locking “beautiful women” in rooms to enhance party experiences.
Quotes from Ashton Kutcher about partying with Diddy, alongside footage of Diddy with a young Justin Bieber, have also garnered attention. However, unless someone comes forward with allegations that support the government’s case, these clips likely hold little weight.
Criminal defense attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris explained to Yahoo Entertainment that “statements made out of court cannot be used as evidence due to hearsay rules.” However, if witnesses were present during the alleged crimes related to the indictment, they could be summoned to testify against Diddy based on their firsthand accounts.
Although various unverified rumors are circulating on X (formerly Twitter), it’s important to note that “rumors do not constitute evidence.” “The prosecution will focus on substantiating the charges presented and piecing together the evidence,” Johnson-Norris clarified.
What is Diddy’s current situation?
Presently, Diddy is detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. According to NBC News, he has transitioned from suicide watch to a section designated for detainees needing special protection, where he shares space with approximately 18 to 20 inmates, including Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Diddy has faced two bail denials, and Johnson-Norris does not anticipate his release: “Unless there are significant changes in the situation, which I do not foresee, it appears that Combs will remain incarcerated until his trial.”
The rapper has reportedly had brief communications with his “shocked” children.
Are there any prospects for additional charges?
While Diddy is accused of running a criminal enterprise, former federal prosecutor Jennie Wang VonCannon does not foresee other individuals facing charges at this time.
“Combs is alleged to be ‘the leader of the Combs Enterprise,'” she stated, referencing language from the indictment. “Based on the allegations, it seems the government has sufficient evidence to charge those Combs allegedly directed; the decision to charge only Combs suggests that no further lower-level individuals will face charges related to the conduct outlined in the indictment.”
Is there a possibility of the government proposing a plea deal?
According to VonCannon, the answer is affirmative. “There are real victims who have endured alleged se*xual abuse and who would be subjected to a lengthy legal process,” she remarked, identifying Diddy as “a heavily resourced defendant.”
“A guilty plea would expedite the resolution, sparing victims and witnesses from having to testify at trial,” she noted. Moreover, a plea deal would significantly limit Diddy’s right to appeal, which could benefit the prosecution.
However, a plea deal would require Diddy to plead guilty, which he has thus far resisted, maintaining his innocence apart from a public apology following the release of surveillance footage showing him assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Could Ventura take the stand?
Ventura, Diddy’s former long-term girlfriend, filed a lawsuit against him in November 2023, claiming se*x trafficking, rape, and physical abuse. Although the case was quickly settled out of court with undisclosed terms, a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) was likely involved, according to legal experts.
Nevertheless, Johnson-Norris pointed out that an NDA “does not negate a court’s subpoena or order requiring a witness to testify in a criminal proceeding,” which leaves the door open for Ventura to take the stand.
“NDAs typically include exception clauses, or if they do not, a court may find that it would be against public policy to prevent a witness from testifying,” she explained. “In criminal cases, a court order supersedes any contractual language regarding statements. This implies we should expect to hear Cassie testify in this case.”
Ventura appears to have a significant connection to the federal charges against Diddy, as the language in her 35-page civil suit aligns with some of the allegations contained in the government’s indictment.
Is Diddy likely to claim a ‘consent’ defense?
Se*xual abuse cases can present challenges for prosecutors, as defenses often assert that the actions were consensual; however, VonCannon stated that this situation is not a typical “he-said, she-said” scenario.
“While a consent defense is common in situations where alleged actions occur privately between two individuals, this case encompasses much broader allegations, including racketeering activities such as kidnapping, arson, bribery, witness tampering, forced labor, and the distribution of controlled substances,” she elaborated. “The combination of these charges complicates Diddy’s ability to effectively mount a ‘consent defense.'”
What are the next steps in the process?
According to Johnson-Norris, federal cases typically take “two years from the filing of an indictment to sentencing.” “I expect there will be intervals where developments arise due to motions submitted by the defense, interspersed with periods of silence,” she said.
The next status conference regarding the case is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, at 2 p.m. ET.
