Diddy Confirms He Rejected Plea Deal From Prosecutors Before Federal Trial

Diddy was back in court Thursday for one final hearing before his criminal trial … and he told the judge he rejected a plea deal presented to him by federal prosecutors.

The Bad Boy Records founder strolled into a Manhattan courtroom wearing a tan jail jumpsuit, looking gray and thin … and he waved to the public and media seated in the gallery before taking a seat at the defense table between two of his attorneys, Teny Geragos and Brian Steel.

Diddy was smiling and in good spirits … chatting with Teny and Brian … and he was chummy and seemed unfazed by the upcoming trial.

The judge asked Diddy if he rejected a written plea offer from the government and Diddy replied, “Yes, I did.”

Diddy was also asked if he was aware he would potentially serve more time in prison if he’s convicted than if he took a plea deal … and Diddy told the judge he understood the stakes.

While we don’t know what the prosecutors offered, typically they offer a sentence close to what the defendant would receive if convicted. Commonly, they don’t expect the defendant to accept the deal … instead, prosecutors are guarding against grounds for appeal.

If prosecutors didn’t offer it, it could give Diddy a post-conviction argument that his attorneys didn’t effectively represent his interests and, therefore, he should get a new trial.

Thursday’s hearing also touched on jury selection … with the judge saying jury selection would begin Monday, May 5, at 8 AM sharp, with the goal of selecting a jury within 3 days.

Diddy has pled not guilty to all five charges he’s facing — two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering.

Prosecutors revealed last week they offered Diddy a deal that was turned down … but this is the first time Diddy’s acknowledged so himself.

This may be the last time we see Diddy in a jail uniform … the judge is allowing him to wear button-down dress shirts, pants and shoes without laces for his upcoming trial.