Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Trial Faces Challenges as Key Witness Goes Dark
EXCLUSIVE: Just hours before Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial is set to begin with opening statements before a yet-to-be-seated jury, the defense is prepared to capitalize on a significant setback for the prosecution.
As of Sunday night, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York had not re-established communication with a crucial witness against the founder of Bad Boy Records.
Recently identified as Victim-3 in the indictment, this individual had committed to testify in what could be a life-altering trial for the Grammy-winning defendant if he is found guilty. Court documents indicate that she would have described how Diddy allegedly “sexually exploited” her, while protecting her identity.
Now, with Victim-3 reportedly untraceable, the legal team led by Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, and Brian Steel sees an opportunity to pause the proceedings. A hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET before Judge Arun Subramanian to finalize jury selection and review updates regarding Victim-3 from federal officials. Sources indicate the defense is poised to request a mistrial or at least a postponement of the trial’s start.
Requesting a mistrial may be seen as a long shot, but pushing for a delay is backed by solid legal reasoning.
Contacted by Deadline for a comment about Victim-3’s status and implications if she fails to testify, the SDNY opted not to provide any insights. Sources indicate that Victim-3 may be avoiding contact due to safety concerns, though specifics remain undisclosed. The defense team has not responded to inquiries about her absence and its potential ramifications.
The Trial Ahead
Expected to last eight weeks, this criminal trial against Diddy follows his arrest last September on various charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. As preparations ramp up outside the lower Manhattan federal courthouse, media outlets are already setting up for coverage.
Among the potential witnesses is Cassie Ventura, known as Victim-1, who might testify under her own name shortly if the trial commences as planned. She is currently pregnant with her third child and had previously settled her own civil suit against Combs.
If Victim-3 remains absent from the proceedings, the basis for the defense’s arguments regarding mistrial and delay will pivot around the absence of a key witness, thereby altering their game plan for defending Combs. Judge Subramanian’s decision on how to proceed will be critical on Monday morning.
Regardless of whether Judge Subramanian opts for a mistrial or postponement, the defense retains a strategic advantage. Should the trial proceed with available witnesses, the risks of an unfavorable verdict for Combs may lead to an imminent appeal regardless of the outcome.
