EXCLUSIVE: With the clock ticking down to the opening statements in Sean "Diddy" Combs' explosive sex-trafficking trial, a shocking twist has emerged: a crucial witness has gone missing, leaving the prosecution scrambling.

As of Sunday night, the Southern District of New York’s U.S. Attorney's office was still unable to locate Victim-3, a key figure poised to testify against the music mogul. Just weeks ago, she had pledged her cooperation, vowing to share harrowing details of the alleged exploitation she suffered at Diddy’s hands.

Now, as the courtroom prepares to convene under Judge Arun Subramanian, Diddy's defense team is licking its lips at the prospect of a potential delay or even a mistrial. With jury selection slated for 8:30 a.m. ET, the absence of such a pivotal witness could shift the entire dynamic of the trial.

Sources indicate that Victim-3’s sudden disappearance stems from fears for her safety. The prosecution, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped about her whereabouts, which could severely weaken their case.

The trial, predicted to span eight weeks, is the culmination of a series of charges against Combs, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Meanwhile, the buzz outside the courthouse is palpable, with various media outlets setting up to cover what promises to be a sensational spectacle.

Adding to the intrigue is Diddy’s former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, also known as Victim-1, who is expected to testify. Ventura, who recently received a multi-million dollar payout to drop her own suit against Combs, is now heavily pregnant and could share startling claims from their tumultuous relationship.

In an ironic twist, she became a talking point when old security footage surfaced showing a violent encounter between the couple—footage that Diddy’s legal team insists is misleading.

If Victim-3 remains absent, Diddy’s defense is poised to argue that the rules of engagement have drastically changed, necessitating a shift in their legal strategy. The judge’s decision on whether to proceed without her, or grant a mistrial, will be pivotal.

Meanwhile, Combs has been incarcerated since last fall, openly admitting to a history of domestic violence mixed with claims of consensual encounters in his complex relationships. Each denial adds layers to what is already a murky situation fraught with tension.

With the trial set to kick off, the missing witness poses unprecedented challenges for the prosecution, leaving everyone to wonder: how will this drama unfold in the court of law?