Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been cautioned that testifying in his forthcoming sex trafficking and racketeering trial could potentially do him “more harm than good”.

The 54-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records is currently incarcerated in New York, having been denied bail after his recent apprehension by federal agents. He’s facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution purposes.

Meesha Moulton from Meesha Moulton Law has now informed Page Six that it would be a “bold” move for Diddy to bear witness during his imminent trial, which is scheduled to commence post-October. She clarified: “There is a reason that attorneys typically advise their clients not to take the stand in their own trial testifying in one’s own trial opens up the defendant to cross-examination from the prosecution.”

The attorney further noted that the “mentally gruelling” process of cross-examination could be “relentless in trying to find inconsistencies in his statements” and “getting him to admit to things”, which she suggested could be “damaging” to his defense.

She added: “If Diddy becomes flustered or frustrated, taking the stand will do more harm for him than good. This level of scrutiny is very emotionally taxing, and if he struggles to maintain composure under pressure, it can negatively influence the jury’s perception of him.”

The indictment against Combs is a damning document, spanning 14 pages and claims that he “abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct” over many years. The charges extend to the creation of a “creating a criminal enterprise” with associates allegedly committing crimes like “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice”.

At the infamous ‘Freak Off’ parties hosted by Combs, allegations suggest he was complicit in sexual abuse, providing rooms stocked with “controlled substances, baby oil, lubricant, extra linens, and lighting” to facilitate these notorious gatherings.

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, which have emerged from a series of sexual assault lawsuits, the rapper has staunchly rejected all allegations, entering a plea of not guilty. While the trial date remains unset, a status hearing is anticipated for 9 October.