Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs files second mistrial request over “prosecutorial misconduct”
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has filed for a mistrial for a second time in his sex trafficking and racketeering case. The Bad Boy rapper’s team sent a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian on June 7th, claiming “prosecutorial misconduct” had occurred.
His attorneys claimed “the government has presented testimony that it knew or should have known was materially false related to its allegation that Mr Combs dangled Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. Accordingly, to avoid an unfair conviction in this case the Court should grant a mistrial.”
They claimed that Cassie’s statement that she saw Bongolan being dangled over the balcony was false because the singer allegedly found out about the incident through text messages.
Calling her recount “demonstrably false,” they said, “The incident, as alleged, is disturbing and powerful evidence, and the government has used it to depict Mr Combs in an extremely negative light, as an angry and dangerous man who terrified Ms. Ventura and her friends.”
Combs’ team also claimed photos of Bongolan’s injuries were taken on September 26th, 2016, in Los Angeles when the rapper was allegedly in New York City. They said the prosecution knew “or should have known that this testimony was perjured,” as “the government has long known” that information.
In addition, they said the prosecution “repeatedly attempted to disrupt” their line of questioning while attempting to “expose the perjury upon cross-examination.” They added, “All of this was highly improper and exacerbated the harm caused by the perjured testimony.”
Combs, who is facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution, was previously denied a request for a mistrial on May 28th after it was suggested he might have something to do with evidence being destroyed concerning Kid Cudi’s car being set on fire in 2011.
Judge Subramanian responded, “There was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way, shape or form.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.