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A federal judge swiftly dismissed a defense motion for a mistrial in the high-profile sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, amid allegations that prosecutors insinuated the music icon obstructed an investigation into a 2012 incident involving rapper Kid Cudi's firebombed Porsche. This denial marks the first mistrial request during the trial, now in its third week in Manhattan.

Throughout the trial, Diddy, 55, has actively participated in his defense, frequently communicating with his lawyers as witnesses take the stand. The case escalated when former colleagues of Combs testified about alleged violent tactics he used over the past two decades to maintain control and power, with claims of repeated beatings and coercion into non-consensual sexual acts.

The controversy arose when arson investigator Lance Jimenez detailed how fingerprint evidence from Cudi's incinerated Porsche 911 was destroyed in August 2012, months after the vehicle was targeted by a Molotov cocktail. The responsible party for ordering the destruction was allegedly uninvolved in the investigation, breaching standard procedures.

Defense counsel requested a mistrial after Jimenez's testimony, accusing the prosecution of misconduct and implying that Combs might have influenced the evidence mishandling. However, Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to disregard any issues regarding the destruction of the fingerprint evidence and rejected the defense's argument.

The defense team voiced concerns over potential prejudice against Combs, suggesting prosecutorial tactics could affect the jury's perception. Alexandra Shapiro, one of Combs' attorneys, claimed the prosecution's actions were improper and insisted they could not be undone. Nevertheless, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik opposed the mistrial motion, stating the prosecution had addressed the fingerprint topic to refute claims of investigative negligence.

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, faces severe charges, including orchestrating a racketeering conspiracy marked by violence and fear. If convicted, the music mogul could receive a sentence ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.