The embattled music mogul appeared in court recently, where his legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, pushed back against the accusations, arguing that Diddy‘s behavior aligned with widely accepted social practices.
“This is not criminal behavior—it’s a lifestyle choice shared by many,” said Agnifilo, emphasizing that Diddy identifies as a swinger, not a predator.
Judge Sets Hearing as Plea Deal Rejected
Judge Arun Subramanian oversaw the court proceedings, ensuring that Diddy understood the terms of the confidential plea deal, which he ultimately declined. The judge announced that additional discussions will take place on May 1, and the trial is set to begin on May 12.
No details of the proposed deal have been made public, and Diddy’s legal team has not provided further comment on the decision to go to trial.
Key Evidence: Sex Tape and Surveillance Video
The prosecution is pushing to introduce several pieces of crucial evidence:
- A sex tape allegedly involving Diddy, which they’ve asked to be sealed from public view due to its explicit content.
- Security footage purportedly showing Diddy assaulting singer Cassie in a hotel hallway.
- Although Diddy’s team questioned the footage’s authenticity, he previously admitted to and expressed regret over the incident.
Judge Subramanian has ruled in favor of allowing the hallway assault footage into evidence.
Testimony from Alleged Victim May Be Allowed
Prosecutors also requested permission to present testimony from an alleged victim who reportedly underwent a medical procedure related to the trafficking allegations. The court has not yet decided whether this testimony will be deemed admissible.
Trial Begins May 12 — No Live Broadcast
With a trial date locked in for May 12, this case could become one of the most closely watched legal battles in the entertainment industry. While the trial will be open to the public, there will be no live streaming or televised coverage, setting it apart from other recent celebrity cases.