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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ defense team filed for another mistrial following allegedly false testimony presented by the prosecution. Here’s what happens in the event of a mistrial.
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial has now entered its fifth week. So far, the trial has heard harrowing accounts of abuse and manipulation, casting a shadow over the music mogul’s legacy. Former partners, including Cassie Ventura and a woman known as “Jane,” testified about years of coercion and sexual abuse. Now, Combs seemingly wants the judge to declare a mistrial. Here’s why — and what would happen if a mistrial occurs.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ defense team is insisting on a mistrial — Here’s what that could mean for the mogul
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team has filed a second motion for a mistrial in his federal sex trafficking case. They cited prosecutorial misconduct. The latest request, submitted on June 7, 2025, alleges that the prosecution knowingly presented false testimony regarding an incident in 2016, where Combs allegedly dangled Bryana Bongolan from a balcony at Cassie Ventura’s apartment. The defense contends that Ventura’s testimony contradicts text records showing she learned of the event after it occurred, rendering her testimony false. Additionally, the defense challenges the authenticity of injury photos submitted by the prosecution. The defense asserts that they were mislabeled since Combs was allegedly in New York, not Los Angeles, when the injuries supposedly occurred.
This motion follows a previous mistrial request in May, which was denied by Judge Arun Subramanian.
So, what would happen if the judge declares the current trial a mistrial? The outcome would hinge on the reasons behind the ruling and the prosecution’s next steps. A mistrial doesn’t equate to a verdict of innocence or guilt; it simply means the current trial has been invalidated. Prosecutors could decide to retry the case, using the same or revised evidence and witness testimony. This would restart the legal process.
Alternatively, if they determine that a retrial isn’t feasible due to weakened evidence, damaged credibility, or strategic considerations, they could drop the charges altogether. Combs’ team repeatedly attempted to have his case dropped in the past. Of course, Combs prefers this outcome.
For Combs, a mistrial would offer a temporary reprieve but leave his legal future uncertain. The possibility of another trial would still loom.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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