The 55-year-old music mogul faces federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is preparing for the fight of his life in court after formally rejecting a plea deal that could have significantly reduced his potential prison sentence. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul is set to stand trial on Monday, May 5, to face a raft of serious federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution.

The charges, which stem from a sweeping investigation, allege that Combs played a central role in orchestrating a sex trafficking ring involving coercion, manipulation, and criminal enterprise. If convicted on all counts, the music producer and entrepreneur could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

A plea agreement was reportedly offered to Combs in recent weeks, but the star has opted to plead not guilty and face the charges in court. Rejecting the deal leaves him exposed to the full weight of the federal case against him—a bold move in what is expected to be one of the most high-profile celebrity trials in years.

Combs was initially arrested last year following a September indictment that accused him of exploiting and trafficking individuals for sex under the guise of his business empire. He has repeatedly denied all allegations and maintains that he is innocent.

In March, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment, adding further charges to the case, including claims that Combs forced one of his employees into non-consensual sex acts. He again pleaded not guilty to the new allegations.

Federal authorities believe they have a robust case, with as many as 20 potential witnesses expected to testify during the trial. Among them is his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, who has previously sued Combs in a separate civil case involving abuse allegations. Ventura could provide crucial testimony about his alleged pattern of behaviour.

While the identities of some of the three main alleged victims remain confidential, prosecutors say their accounts are supported by extensive communications, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies. Sources close to the investigation describe the scope of the case as “sprawling,” with accusations covering more than a decade of alleged criminal activity.

Combs’ legal team has continued to criticise the charges as baseless, arguing that the federal government is unfairly targeting their client due to his fame. They insist that the evidence presented will not stand up in court and that Combs is prepared to clear his name.

The music industry is watching the case with intense interest. Once hailed as a hip-hop pioneer and fashion icon, Combs’ empire now hangs in the balance. He has largely remained out of the public eye since his arrest but is expected to appear in person when trial proceedings commence next week.

If convicted, Combs could face decades to life in prison, depending on how the charges are adjudicated. The trial is expected to be lengthy, with both sides preparing for weeks of testimony, cross-examinations, and intense scrutiny.

As the nation turns its attention to the courtroom, the stakes for Sean “Diddy” Combs could not be higher. The jury will be tasked not only with weighing the evidence but with passing judgement on a man whose career has spanned three decades, shaping music, culture, and now—possibly—a major legal precedent.