Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Mistrial Request Is Immediately Rejected

A federal judge swiftly denied a defense request for a mistrial in the ongoing sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York. The defense claimed that prosecutors insinuated to the jury that the music mogul interfered with the investigation into rapper Kid Cudi’s car being firebombed in 2012.

Mistrial requests are common in lengthy federal trials, but this was the first request in Combs’ trial, which is now in its third week. Combs has been actively involved in his defense, frequently communicating with his lawyers and consulting with them during witness questioning.

The judge instructed the jury to disregard testimony about the destruction of fingerprint cards related to Cudi’s burned car. It was revealed that the Molotov cocktail used in the incident was made from a malt liquor bottle and a designer handkerchief.

The mistrial request came after an arson investigator testified that fingerprints from Cudi’s car were destroyed months after the fire. The defense argued that the prosecution’s conduct was prejudicial, implying that Combs was involved in destroying the records.

Combs, facing charges of leading a racketeering conspiracy, has pleaded not guilty. Witnesses, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie, have testified to alleged abuse and coercion by Combs.

The defense accused prosecutors of misconduct during jury selection, claiming they asked leading questions to potential jurors. The prosecution defended its line of questioning, stating it was meant to counter defense claims of a poorly conducted investigation.

Despite the mistrial request, the judge ruled against it, allowing the trial to continue. The case against Combs could result in a 15-year to life prison sentence if he is convicted.