Just hours before opening statements in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s high-profile sex-trafficking trial, federal prosecutors are scrambling to locate a key witness. “Victim-3,” a central figure in the indictment, has reportedly gone dark despite pledging to testify against the music mogul.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has not re-established contact with the witness, raising the possibility of a delay or a mistrial request from Diddy’s defense team.
Victim-3 was expected to testify about alleged sexual exploitation by Combs. Her absence could significantly impact the trial, which is predicted to span eight weeks. Law enforcement sources suggest the witness may have gone silent due to safety concerns.
Combs, who rejected a plea deal, faces charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. A conviction could mean life in prison.