With his sex trafficking trial set to begin in a matter of days, Sean “Diddy” Combs and his legal team are working to build a defense, this time citing a “mental condition” as a factor in the music mogul’s alleged crimes.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Combs’ lawyers are attempting to introduce expert testimony suggesting he lacked the capacity to control his behavior due to drugs, alcohol, or a mental health issue.
The mogul is seeking a doctor from Columbia University to testify on his behalf, and argue that Combs had a condition that impacted his behavior.
However, prosecutors are pushing back, noting that the doctor has never treated Combs and would instead be basing his testimony on the experiences of other patients.
Related: Diddy Trading $1 Cans of Fish as ‘Currency’ in Notorious Jail
TMZ reports that the specifics of the alleged condition were redacted from court filings, but prosecutors argue that the defense failed to give proper notice if they intend to present evidence related to “the effects of drugs and alcohol on a defendant’s memory or cognitive function.”
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to a series of federal charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
A superseding indictment filed April 3 added two charges — sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution.
On April 18, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied a request to delay the trial, despite the defense claiming it needed more time to prepare. The judge pointed out Combs has legal representation from four firms. The defense initially requested a speedy trial in the case.
Jury selection begins May 5, with opening arguments expected May 12.
Jurors will fill out a questionnaire to find out how much they know about the hip-hop star and whether they hold any biases, NBC News reports.
Combs remains jailed without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
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