New York: Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is emphasizing his participation in what they describe as a “swinger” lifestyle, arguing that the conduct federal prosecutors are framing as criminal was, in fact, consensual and culturally normalized in some circles.
During a pretrial hearing on Friday in Manhattan federal court, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that his client’s actions were consistent with a lifestyle that includes multiple consensual sexual partners and the hiring of escorts—elements he said are not inherently criminal.
“It’s relevant to the defendant’s intent that there’s a lifestyle called swingers, call it whatever you will, that he was in, that he might have thought was appropriate,” Agnifilo said. “Part of the reason people think it’s appropriate is because it’s common.”
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that he coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual performances—referred to in court as “Freak Offs”—with male sex workers. The Bad Boy Records founder has maintained the encounters were consensual and denies any criminal wrongdoing.
Federal prosecutor Madison Smyser revealed in court that Combs had recently rejected a plea deal, although specific terms of the offer were not disclosed. This sets the stage for a full trial, expected to last eight to ten weeks, with jury selection scheduled for May 5 and opening statements set for May 12.
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Prosecutor Maureen Comey requested that Combs’ defense be barred from referencing other public figures who may have engaged in similar conduct but are unrelated to the case. Agnifilo assured the court that they would not do so, while reiterating the defense’s right to argue that the alleged misconduct was part of an accepted lifestyle, not a criminal enterprise.
Known for launching the careers of musical icons like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, the Notorious B.I.G., and Usher, Combs built a business empire in the 1990s and 2000s. However, prosecutors argue that his outward success masked a pattern of abuse and manipulation.
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They allege Combs used threats of violence and financial control to coerce participation in the “Freak Offs,” which reportedly spanned several days, involved drug use, and were sometimes recorded. Smyser told the court that jurors will be shown video footage of some of these events.
Combs has been held at a federal detention center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. If convicted on all counts, he faces the possibility of decades behind bars.
