Diddy Tells Judge He’s ‘Nervous’ As Sex Trafficking Trial Begins In NYC

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial began on Monday in Manhattan federal court, and the 55-year-old rapper admitted he was “nervous” during the appearance.

The recording artist was allowed to trade in his prison garb for regular clothing after he had been awaiting trial behind bars for the past seven months, despite rallying to be let out on bail. The Bad Boy Records founder could be sentenced to life in prison if he’s convicted on multiple charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking crimes.

“I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today,” Combs told Judge Arun Subramanian after asking for a two-minute bathroom break following 90 minutes of juror questioning. Jury selection began Monday with 50 potential jurors.

The rapper pleaded not guilty to the charges and turned down a plea deal from prosecutors about 10 days ago, per the New York Post.

One of the lawyers for Combs withdrew from his defense team in February, saying, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs. It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”

But despite that hiccup, Combs has faith in his legal team to win, evidenced by his turning down the undisclosed plea deal.

Combs is charged under the Mann Act, officially the White-Slave Traffic Act, which prohibits the transport of people across state or international lines for prostitution.

The defense has called the Mann Act “racist” and historically “used to target black men and supposedly protect white women from them.”

Federal authorities allege Combs had “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes,” per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. 

Prosecutors also said Combs “engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals. This abuse was, at times, verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual,” as The Daily Wire previously reported.

There have been many headlines about the alleged “freak-offs,” or parties which included non-consensual sexual activity, and inspired Combs to stock his property with a reported one thousand bottles of baby oil. The rapper’s attorneys will argue that Combs did have sex parties, but will insist that all participants were of age and willing to participate in the events.

Combs is also facing 120 or more additional lawsuits in the near future, including complaints from at least 25 minors.