Diddy loses mistrial bid in s3x trafficking trial

The judge in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal s3x-crimes case has denied his bid for a mistrial

The move came amid testimony during the third week of the trial, in which Combs, 55, is charged with s3x trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and long maintained his innocence.

Midway during court proceedings on May 28, Combs’ lawyers moved for a mistrial, arguing that prosecutors were improperly trying to suggest that the hip-hop mogul had evidence tied to an alleged arson incident destroyed.

Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro contended, without the jury present, that the line of questioning by prosecutors was designed to infer that “Mr. Combs could buy his way out of this (investigation into the break-in and firebombing). We believe the questions were designed to play right into that.”

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian swiftly denied the request. “There was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way shape or form,” Subramanian said.