Trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs Begins with Jury Selection
Jury selection for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial regarding sex trafficking commenced on Monday morning in New York, attracting significant media attention outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
During the selection process, 150 prospective jurors completed a questionnaire assessing their familiarity with Combs, their perspectives on law enforcement, personal experiences of sexual assault, and more. They were also asked to identify at least 190 names of celebrities and public figures presented to them.
The list included prominent names such as Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Mike Myers, and Kid Cudi, though it remains unclear how these individuals are related to Combs’ case. Combs is known for hosting lavish Hollywood events and has strong ties within the celebrity community.
Prosecutors allege that Kid Cudi was the target of a car bombing by Combs in 2011 during his romantic relationship with Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is the primary witness for the federal trial.
A reliable source informed Variety that Michael B. Jordan will not testify in the trial, despite having gone on a date with Ventura in 2015, which reportedly upset Combs.
Additional names on the list include Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child, actress Lauren London, singer Dawn Richard, producer Dallas Austin, and several of Combs’ relatives. Interestingly, many potential jurors admitted they were unfamiliar with the listed names.
The trial is projected to last a minimum of eight weeks, with jury selection continuing until May 12, when opening arguments are anticipated to start.
Throughout Monday’s proceedings, Judge Arun Subramanian interviewed 32 potential jurors. They had the option to discuss personal matters privately with the judge and attorneys. Many jurors shared past experiences of sexual assault or harassment but believed they could remain impartial. Most also reported having undergone sexual harassment training as required by their jobs and mentioned viewing a hotel surveillance video that CNN claims shows Combs assaulting Ventura. Although the video won’t be used as trial evidence, the original footage may be referenced.
Among the potential jurors was a photo producer for HBO, raising defense concerns due to a recently released docuseries titled “The Fall of Diddy.” The judge ultimately allowed her to remain in the jury pool. Another juror, a marketing executive, was dismissed due to her association with upcoming allegations against Combs in a memoir.
Combs faces five charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, potentially leading to a life sentence if convicted. Since 2023, the music mogul has faced over 70 civil lawsuits alleging various sexual offenses, separate from this federal trial, which is likely to feature testimonies from significant figures, including Ventura.
Federal prosecutors have stated that they have interviewed more than 50 witnesses and acquired evidence from over 100 electronic devices, depicting Combs as a serial abuser who allegedly operated a vast criminal enterprise supported by assistants and security personnel who maintained silence for years. The charges outlined in the indictment involve alleged crimes from 2004 to 2024. Combs has consistently denied all allegations, asserting that any sexual encounters were consensual.
