Grammy award-winning artist Sean John Combs, 54, known by his stage name Diddy, is preparing to testify in his upcoming sex trafficking trial in New York, according to his lawyer. Combs, who faces federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held without bail pending trial.
Diddy has enlisted Marc Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, to lead his defense. Speaking to TMZ, Agnifilo revealed that Combs is eager to share his side of the story. “I don’t know if I could keep him off the stand,” Agnifilo said. “He’s very determined to tell his story, and I think he’ll cover every aspect of it.”
While defendants have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, they can also choose to testify, even against legal advice. Testifying opens the door to cross-examination by the prosecution, which could challenge Combs’ narrative. However, according to Agnifilo, Diddy believes the jury needs to hear his account directly.
“He has a personal story to tell,” Agnifilo said. “It’s about love, hurt, and heartbreak, and he’s the only one who can convey it in his own words.”
The trial