PREVIEW

Sean 'Diddy' Combs rejects plea deal ahead of trial opening. The hip-hop mogul appeared at a hearing in Manhattan federal court on Thursday. The US District Judge asked Combs if he had reviewed the offer and rejected it. Combs, dressed in tan-coloured prison clothing, replied, "Yes I did”. No further details were provided about the offer. Combs is facing a sentence of life in prison if convicted on all five criminal counts he faces at trial, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty. The Bad Boy Records founder's defence lawyers have argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual and that there was nothing criminal about Mr Combs and his long-time girlfriends occasionally bringing in a third person to their relationships as part of a "swingers" lifestyle. Jury selection for the trial is underway for 12 jurors and six alternates who can be impartial despite intense media coverage of the case so far. Those prospective jurors who make it past initial screening will return to court on 5 May for in-person questioning. Opening statements are due to begin a week later on 12 May.
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