Federal prosecutors in the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking case are facing a serious obstacle just days before opening statements: one of their key witnesses has gone missing.
Known in court documents as “Victim 3,” the woman is reportedly unreachable and no longer in communication with either the prosecution or her legal counsel, according to Mail Online.
She does not live in New York, where the trial will begin on Monday.
On Wednesday, lead prosecutor Maurene Comey told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that even if contact is re-established, she still may not show up.
Victim 3 was expected to provide “very personal and explosive details” regarding alleged abuse by Combs.
Back in April, prosecutors had assured the court that she “did not wish to use a pseudonym during her testimony,” suggesting she was prepared to go public.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos demanded that the prosecution confirm by the end of the week whether it still intends to call Victim 3 as a witness.
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 further turn in April when a third superseding indictment added an extra charge of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
In total, Combs faces five counts, including racketeering and sex trafficking, tied to four alleged victims.
Prosecutors claim these women were forced to take part in drug-fueled sex events, described as “freak offs.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his legal team arguing the accusations stem from consensual relationships with former partners.
“These are not new allegations or new accusers,” they said. “These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends.”
”This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion,” they added.
Comey emphasized that “many, many acts of racketeering” remain part of the case even without Victim 3.
Victim 1, singer Cassie Ventura, will testify under her real name, while Victims 2 and 4 have been granted pseudonyms.
Jury selection is underway. So far, 45 people have advanced after filling out detailed questionnaires to assess whether they can judge the case impartially.
Combs, who appeared in court with a greying beard, told the judge he felt “a little nervous” and asked for a bathroom break.
He recently rejected a plea deal and could face life in prison if convicted.
