• Sean "Diddy" Combs rejects plea deal ahead of his sex trafficking trial.
• Jury selection begins next week, with potential jurors already questioned.
• Combs faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
• If convicted, he could face a life sentence in prison.
• Trial could last for at least eight weeks, with high-profile witnesses.

Sean "Diddy" Combs formally rejected a plea deal during a pre-trial hearing on Thursday as he prepares for a high-stakes trial on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. When asked by District Judge Arun Subramanian if he rejected the plea, Combs responded affirmatively, stating, "Yes, I do, your honour," highlighting his intention to contest the serious allegations against him. The trial is set to begin next week with jury selection scheduled for Monday, according to ABC News and CBS News.

During the court proceedings, Combs appeared in a beige prison uniform, reportedly in good spirits as he waved to supporters. His lawyers raised concerns regarding the conduct of a personal attorney representing one of the alleged victims, alleging attempts to affect the trial's outcome through media appearances. District Judge Subramanian emphasized the importance of adhering to professional conduct rules, as the trial's integrity is under scrutiny, according to BBC News.

Combs has been held without bail since his arrest in September, and if convicted, he faces decades or potentially life in prison for his charges, which include transportation for commercial sexual purposes and other serious offenses. His defense strategy hints at portraying his lifestyle as consensual, rather than criminal behavior, indicating a complex legal battle ahead, as noted by ABC News and CBS News.

Potential jurors have already been provided questionnaires to gauge their knowledge of the highly publicized case, which may complicate the selection process. Legal stakeholders anticipate jury selection to conclude quickly, with opening statements planned for May 12, further intensifying the trial's proceedings. This trial is particularly notable due to the involvement of high-profile figures, anticipated witness testimonies, and the significant media coverage surrounding the case, according to BBC News.