Sean “Diddy” lawyers seem to have offered an overview of his legal defense in his sexual traffic case, arguing that the rapper had led the “lifestyle” of a “swinger” and was not a criminal.
On Friday, during an audience in New York – a little more than a week before his trial – his lawyers told court that the rap magnate thought it was “appropriate” to have several sexual partners, including sex workers because it is “common”.
Friday, federal prosecutors also revealed to the court that they had offered Mr. Combs a plea agreement, which he had rejected.
The trial of Mr. Combs, one of the most successful music rappers and magnifications in the United States, is expected to start with the selection of the jury on May 5.
The accusations brought against him understand the racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transport to engage in prostitution. If he is found guilty, he could risk in life to life.
“There is a lifestyle, calling him swingers or everything you want, that he thought he was appropriate because it was common,” Mr. Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said on the Manhattan courthouse on Friday, the American media reported.
“Many people think it’s appropriate because it’s common,” he added.
During the hearing, Mr. Combs55 years old, was solemnly seen listening to procedures and whispering and taking notes to his lawyers.
He smiled at one of his sons who was present in the wooden courtroom.
It also appeared on Friday that Mr. Combs had rejected a plea agreement with the prosecutors. The terms of the agreement were not shared with journalists.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that the team had the right to cite their lifestyle in their defense arguments, but that they cannot cite other examples of eminent swingers, or anyone who is presumed to hire sex workers.
The judge also judged that prosecutors are authorized to show the trial Video of Mr. Combs attacking physically Her former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, in a hotel in 2016.
The lawyers of Mr. Combs Does not deny That he is the one who saw kicks and dragging Ms. Ventura in a corridor, but says that the video is “misleading”.
They argue that the images, broadcast by CNN last year, were accelerated and presented outside the sequence. They had sought to admission the admission band as proof.
Two witnesses are about to testify to the authenticity of the video, according to the prosecutors.
The prosecutors also asked the judge to authorize the testimony of an alleged victim who plans to describe a “medical procedure” which she suffered in connection with the allegations of sex trafficking.
The judge did not immediately rule on the request. Prosecutors did not present more details on the alleged medical procedure.
They also seek permission to show the images of the jury of a sexual encounter involving Mr. Combs. They said that the video should not be shown to the public because it is “extremely sensitive”.
Mr. Combs is accused in a racketeering and sex traffic program where he would have welcomed “freak offs” developed in which his victims were forced into sexual performance. His lawyers argue that experiences were consensual.
His trial is expected to last up to ten weeks and will take place in New York. It should be open to the public, but not live.
Opening declarations are scheduled for May 12.