Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ possible diminished mental capacity in question ahead of trial
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ sex trafficking trial is set to begin next month. Ahead of the May 5th start date, his possible diminished mental capacity has become a significant part of the case.
Prosecutors filed a motion disputing any testimony that shows the Bad Boy rapper didn’t have the mental capacity to commit his alleged crimes due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. The motion, filed on April 27th, references a psychiatrist’s testimony on behalf of Combs and asks Judge Arun Subramanian to prevent his testimony during the trial.
“The noticed testimony relates to the defendant’s diminished capacity to form the mens rea required to commit the charged offences – in other words, a ‘mental condition bearing on the issue of guilt,’” the government wrote in court documents.
According to People, psychiatrist Dr. Elie Aoun’s testimony is redacted in the filing, but the prosecutors’ arguments hint that it suggests Combs’ “mental capacity” was affected by substances.
Prosecutors have objected to Aoun’s testimony, citing a rule that states, “If a defendant intends to introduce expert evidence relating to ‘a mental disease or defect or any other mental condition of the defendant bearing on the issue of guilt,’ he must provide notice to the Government.”
The new filing claims the defence “disputed that Dr Aoun’s proffered opinions implicated” the rule in question.
Combs is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He’s facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation for purposes of prostitution following his arrest in September, and faces up to life in prison if found guilty.