EntertainmentPosted at: Apr 27 2025 7:49PM


Sean Diddy Combs legal team defends 'swinger lifestyle' ahead of trial

New York, Apr 27 (UNI) Attorneys for Sean Diddy Combs previewed a key element of their defence strategy, asserting that the rap mogul's so-called "swinger lifestyle", involving multiple sexual partners including sex workers, does not constitute criminal behaviour.
At a pre-trial hearing in Manhattan on Friday, Combs lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that his client's private life reflects as "appropriate" to have multiple sex partners, including sex workers, because it is "common".
"There's a lifestyle, call it swingers or whatever you will, that he thought was appropriate because it was common," Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued at the Manhattan courthouse, US media reported.
The hearing also revealed that Federal prosecutors had extended a plea offer to Combs, which he declined. Terms of the offer were not disclosed.
Combs (55), one of the most commercially successful figures in American music history, faces serious charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transporting individuals for prostitution, if in future he is convicted, he may face a life imprisonment.
Throughout Friday's proceedings, Combs sat stoically, conferring quietly with his legal team and exchanging occasional glances with his son seated in the courtroom, as per a report by BBC.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs' denfence may reference his lifestyle choices at trial but prohibited any invocation of other prominent individuals alleged to have engaged in similar conduct.
In a significant blow to the defence, the judge permitted prosecutors to introduce security footage depicting Combs assaulting his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
Combs' attorneys conceded that their client appears in the video but claimed the footage was "deceptive", arguing it was manipulated by being sped up and shown out of chronological order. Their bid to suppress the evidence was ultimately denied, with prosecutors indicating that two witnesses will authenticate the recording.
Prosecutors also asked the judge to allow testimony from one alleged victim who plans to describe a "medical procedure" that she underwent in connection with the sex trafficking allegations.
The judge did not immediately rule on the motion. Prosecutors did not present more details about the alleged medical procedure. They are also seeking permission to show the jury footage from a sexual encounter involving Combs.
They said that the video should not be shown to the public because it is "extremely sensitive".
Combs is accused in a racketeering and sex trafficking scheme where he allegedly hosted elaborate "Freak Offs", in which his victims were coerced into sexual performances. His lawyers argue that the experiences were consensual.
His trial is expected to last up to 10 weeks and will take place in New York City. It is expected to be open to the public but not livestreamed.
The high-profile trial is scheduled to begin jury selection on May five, with opening statements expected on May 12.
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