Embattled United States music mogul, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has formally rejected the US government’s offer to plead guilty and spare himself the possibility of a prolonged prison sentence.

This is as the jury selection in the long-awaited trial is set to begin on Monday, coincidentally the same day as the Met Gala, the glittering charity event where Combs was once a mainstay.

The musician appeared in court on Thursday, wearing glasses and a beige prison uniform, ahead of the start of his sex trafficking trial next week.

He appeared to be in a good mood, and waved to the gallery as he arrived.

Asked by judge Arun Subramanian if he rejected prosecutors’ plea deal, Combs replied, “Yes, I do, your honour. Thank you.”

The 55-year-old is facing charges of sex trafficking and prostitution with allegations that he coerced women into prolonged sexual orgies he called “freak-offs” but Combs has denied all the charges against him.

If he is found guilty, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison.

At a recent hearing, his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo offered a preview of the star’s defence, saying that the rapper led the “lifestyle” of a “swinger”.

Agnifilo argued that while some people may find that behaviour inappropriate, it is not criminal.

The process got underway earlier this week, as potential jurors were given questionnaires to discover what they already know about the case, part of an effort towards finding 12 people and six alternates, who can be impartial, despite intense media coverage of the case so far.

Prosecutors and defence aim to screen up to 150 people before opening statements are given on May 12.

The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, with Combs’ former partner Cassandra Ventura among those expected to give evidence.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Ventura, an R&B singer professionally known as Cassie, sued Combs in November 2023, accusing him of rape and serial physical abuse during their decade-long professional and romantic relationship, which he denied.

She settled the case just one day after suing – but CNN later broadcast surveillance footage showing Combs hitting, kicking and dragging Ventura in the lobby of a California hotel.

Combs’ lawyers had tried to get the footage dismissed from the trial, arguing that it had been sped up and the events were shown out of sequence – although they did not deny their client’s behaviour.

However, Judge Subramanian ruled last week that the footage could be admitted.