Diddy trial faces setback as prosecutors struggle to reach witness

The case against Shondity Combs may be missing a voice as prosecutors admit they're having a hard time to get a crucial witness to the stand

Attorneys for Combs returned to court Friday following a Thursday recess. The hip-hop producer is facing several charges including racketeering and prostitution

But prosecutors hit a snag admitting in court they're struggling to reach a witness or her lawyer who's been dealing with undisclosed personal issues

That witness, listed as victim three in the indictment, was expected to testify about her alleged sexual exploitation by Combs, supporting prosecutors' claims of his decades-long pattern of abuse

They say she doesn't live locally and may not show up, even if served with a subpoena requiring her to appear

But prosecutors still plan to call three other witnesses, including Combs' ex-singer Cassie Ventura

Reuters reports Combs lawyers told the judge Friday they plan to accuse Ventura of domestic violence claiming there has been mutual violence between the two potentially undercutting the argument that she was a victim Her lawyers declined to comment to Reuters on those remarks Ventura was the first to spark Combs legal troubles filing a civil suit in

November 2023, just before the New York Adult Survivors Act expired. That law gave survivors

of sexual violence a one-year window to file claims after the statute of limitations had run

out. Her suit prompted multiple women and men coming forward, ultimately leading to Combs

federal indictment last September. The trial continues to move forward. USA Today reports

12 final jurors and six alternates will be seated Monday, the same day as opening statements

Combs is charged with racketeering, conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of

transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges

But if convicted, he faces decades or even life in prison. With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton

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