Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial kicks off with jury selection

Proceedings have officially begun in the criminal trial against hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, with jury selection kicking off this Monday. This development arrives approximately a year and a half after a significant civil suit was filed by his former long-term partner.

Combs, aged 55, has entered a plea of not guilty to a federal indictment containing five counts. These charges include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The accusations follow over 50 civil lawsuits filed against him since November 2023, including the aforementioned suit by R&B artist Casandra Ventura, which was privately settled.

These allegations have had a profound effect on Combs' public persona, which was once celebrated for his contributions to hip-hop culture and hosting elaborate gatherings. He is now among several prominent figures in the entertainment world facing sexual misconduct claims, emerging in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

The jury selection process is currently underway at the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Prospective jurors are being individually questioned by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian as the court seeks to seat a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates capable of remaining impartial amidst extensive media coverage.

Hundreds of potential jurors have already completed questionnaires designed to identify any biases. Prosecutors allege that Combs utilized his extensive business network to compel women into participating in multi-day, drug-fueled sexual acts, referred to by the mogul as "Freak Offs."

Both Combs' defense team and the Manhattan US Attorney's office prosecutors have agreed on a group of around 150 individuals eligible for the in-person questioning phase, known as voir dire. The judge aims to qualify 45 potential jurors, from which both sides will have the opportunity to make peremptory strikes.

A notable aspect of this high-profile trial is that the jury will remain anonymous. This measure is often implemented in cases where jurors could potentially face threats or harassment due to their involvement and the public nature of the proceedings.

Voir dire is anticipated to conclude by the end of the week, with opening statements scheduled to commence on May 12. The trial is expected to span approximately two months.

During the trial, Combs' legal team is expected to contend that the sexual activities described by the prosecution were consensual. They plan to challenge the credibility of the four alleged victims who are anticipated to testify against him. In a prior hearing, a defense lawyer suggested there was nothing criminal about a "swingers" lifestyle that sometimes involved a third person in relationships between Combs and his girlfriends.

A unanimous verdict from the jury is required for any conviction. If found guilty on all counts, Combs faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years, with the possibility of a life sentence, to be determined by Judge Subramanian at a later sentencing hearing.