Suge Knight defends Diddy amid ongoing sex trafficking trial; urges him to take the stand

As Sean "Diddy" Combs faces serious legal accusations, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, former Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight has provided unexpected backing. Knight, who once found himself deep in a fierce rivalry with Combs during the 1990s hip-hop scene, asked the Bad Boy Records founder to speak up for his defense as the high-profile case continues.

In a short phone interview with CNN’s Laura Coates from prison, Knight said he thinks Combs should show his human side.

“I feel if he do tell his truth, he really would walk,” Suge Knight said. “If Puffy goes up there and says, ‘Hey … I did all the drugs, I wasn’t in control of my life at the time, or myself’ – he can humanize his old self and the jury might give him a shot.”

“But if they keep him sitting down, it’s like he’s scared to face the music,” he added. “He should just have his faith in God, put up his pants and go up there and tell his truth.”

Knight's comments arrive when Combs' lawyers haven't yet said if he'll speak during the trial.

Legal minds disagree on how this might affect things. Some think testifying could leave Combs open to tough questioning, while others believe a genuine defense could help shape the jury's opinion.

Suge Knight’s past with Diddy resurfaces amid ongoing trial

The relationship between Combs and Suge Knight was once linked to the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry that shaped the 1990s music scene.

At its height, the conflict contributed to the tense and tragic atmosphere that culminated in the deaths of rap icons Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace.

In recent weeks, Combs' trial grabbed attention by shining a light back on that chaotic era. Former employees gave testimony in court hinting at the old conflict between two major players in the music scene. The court heard accusations about Combs' past actions, including claims involving threats and weapons, which made the case more complicated.

Suge Knight, who is behind bars for a manslaughter conviction linked to a 2015 event, has popped up in the news. He now seems to bring a broader viewpoint to the ongoing story about Combs.

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As the trial progresses, people focus on the legal tactics being used and the changing personal lives of those who were key to hip-hop’s most defining era. It is still unclear if Combs will take Knight's advice and agree to testify.

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