Sean “Diddy” Combs has officially declined a plea deal from federal prosecutors in his ongoing sex trafficking case, opting instead to face trial beginning next week.


During a court hearing on Thursday, May 1, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked the music mogul directly, “Have you rejected the government’s offer?”


“Yes, Your Honor,” Combs, 55, replied.


The trial is set to begin with jury selection on Monday, May 5, in New York. Combs faces serious federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution, with allegations that he orchestrated a long-running criminal enterprise that exploited multiple victims in what he allegedly described as “freak-offs.”


Prosecutors say a guilty plea would have resulted in significantly reduced sentencing exposure. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey noted that a conviction on all counts could lead to a life sentence. The sex trafficking charge alone carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.


Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, confirmed that the legal team carefully considered the plea deal but ultimately advised Combs to reject it. “We discussed the offer with him, and we’re prepared to go to trial,” Agnifilo said.


Another member of his defense team, Teny Geragos, raised objections during the brief hearing regarding statements made by Los Angeles-based attorney Lisa Bloom—who represents at least two of Combs’ civil accusers in an upcoming documentary. “We’re concerned with her behavior here,” Geragos stated, referring to Bloom’s public commentary, which the defense suggests may prejudice the proceedings.


Combs was arrested last year following a sweeping federal indictment originally filed in September and expanded through multiple superseding indictments. Prosecutors allege he led a criminal ring that facilitated sexual, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse over several years.


In addition to the three alleged primary victims, federal prosecutors say they may call as many as 20 additional witnesses to testify about Combs’ alleged conduct.


If convicted, Combs faces decades behind bars. The racketeering conspiracy charge alone carries a maximum of life imprisonment, while the sex trafficking charge comes with a mandatory minimum of 15 years, and a possible life sentence.


Opening statements in the trial are expected on May 12.