Key Witness Missing Ahead of Diddy Trial

NEW YORK — Just hours before opening arguments were set to begin in the high-profile sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, the prosecution finds itself on shaky ground as a crucial witness has gone off the grid — potentially disrupting the entire case.

According to multiple sources close to the proceedings, federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York have been unable to re-establish contact with “Victim-3,” one of four central witnesses set to testify against Combs. Her absence, which emerged late Sunday night, comes just as jury finalization and trial proceedings were scheduled to begin before Judge Arun Subramanian.

Victim-3 had previously agreed to take the stand under anonymity to detail allegations that Combs sexually exploited her. If convicted, the music mogul faces the possibility of life in prison. Her sudden disappearance now threatens to hand the defense a procedural advantage, with attorneys expected to push for either a mistrial or a significant delay to rework their legal strategy.

While the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the witness’s status, law enforcement officials believe Victim-3 may have gone silent due to safety concerns. No specific threats have been cited. The defense has not responded to inquiries regarding the implications of her absence.

The trial, expected to span eight weeks, stems from Combs’ September arrest on charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Outside Manhattan’s federal courthouse, small crowds began forming on Sunday evening in anticipation of the blockbuster trial, which includes testimony from Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura — publicly identified in court documents as Victim-1.

Ventura, now expecting her third child with husband Alex Fine, reached a multi-million-dollar settlement with Combs last year after filing a civil lawsuit alleging abuse. Interest in her role in the trial has spiked again following the leak of 2016 hotel surveillance footage, aired by CNN earlier this year, that appeared to show Combs assaulting her — a clip the defense now claims is edited and misleading.

Combs’ legal team argues that the absence of Victim-3 materially alters the structure of the prosecution’s case and demands time to adjust. They plan to argue in court Monday that proceeding without her violates fair trial standards, as she was one of the four key witnesses alleging rape and sexual abuse.

Judge Subramanian, known for his structured and efficiency-driven courtroom style, expressed frustration during Friday’s hearing about the uncertainty surrounding jury selection and the prosecution’s lack of clarity about Victim-3’s availability. Having narrowed a jury pool of 150 down to 43, the judge warned that the trial could risk delays if the prosecution could not provide "certainty" on witness readiness.

This development adds to a growing list of complications for the prosecution. During last week’s proceedings, Combs’ defense team admitted he had engaged in domestic violence in his past relationship with Ventura — but emphasized the behavior was “mutual.” They further described his sex life as unconventional but consensual, pushing back on the prosecution’s narrative of coercion and exploitation.

While the court awaits clarity on Victim-3’s whereabouts, one thing is certain: the trial’s start is in jeopardy, and with it, the government’s ability to make a strong early impression on the jury.