In a dramatic twist just days before the opening statements in the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial, federal prosecutors are grappling with a critical setback: one of their principal witnesses has mysteriously vanished.
The woman, referred to in court documents as “Victim 3,” has reportedly become unreachable, severing communication with both the prosecution and her legal representatives, as reported by Mail Online. Notably, she does not reside in New York, where the trial is set to commence on Monday.
During a court session on Wednesday, lead prosecutor Maurene Comey informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that even if contact were reestablished, there’s no guarantee she would testify.
Victim 3 was anticipated to share “very personal and explosive details” regarding the alleged abuses perpetrated by Combs. Back in April, prosecutors had reassured the court that she was willing to testify publicly without a pseudonym, indicating a readiness to come forward.
In light of this unforeseen development, defense attorney Teny Geragos has demanded the prosecution confirm by week’s end whether they still intend to summon Victim 3 to the stand.
WTF?! Key Diddy witness “Victim 3” has gone MISSING, per Daily Mail
Opening statements are set to begin next week and federal prosecutors have been scrambling to get ahold of her
She was set to deliver “very personal and explosive details” concerning abuse she allegedly… pic.twitter.com/tW62umbCKR
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 9, 2025
The case took a significant turn in April when a third superseding indictment introduced an additional charge of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. In total, Combs faces five counts, including racketeering and sex trafficking, linked to four alleged victims.
Prosecutors assert that these women were coerced into participating in drug-fueled sexual escapades, infamously dubbed “freak offs.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his defense team contending that the allegations arise from consensual relationships with former partners. “These are not new allegations or new accusers,” they stated, emphasizing that the individuals in question are former long-term girlfriends. “This was their private sex life, characterized by consent, not coercion,” they asserted.
In light of Victim 3’s disappearance, Comey stressed that the prosecution’s case still encompasses “many, many acts of racketeering” that remain relevant even without her testimony. Victim 1, singer Cassie Ventura, is expected to testify under her real name, while Victims 2 and 4 have been assigned pseudonyms.
Jury selection is currently in progress, with 45 candidates advancing after completing detailed questionnaires aimed at ensuring impartiality in the case.
No Jury Selected Yet in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial, as Prosecution and Defense Prepare for Monday’s Opening Statements and ‘Victim One’ Cassie Ventura Testimony
Combs, appearing in court with a noticeably greying beard, expressed feeling “a little nervous” and even requested a bathroom break. He has recently turned down a plea deal and faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
