New York, NY — As Sean “Diddy” Combs prepares for his federal sex trafficking trial, he has significantly expanded his legal team, drawing attention to the courtroom dynamics this week during jury selection. Among the notable figures present is high-profile attorney Mark Geragos, known for representing various celebrities, including Michael Jackson and Jussie Smollett.
Geragos has been seen consistently in the courtroom since jury selection commenced, captivating both the defense and prosecution. His daughter, Teny Geragos, is serving as second chair on the defense team, further illuminating the familial ties within the legal proceedings. The prosecution expressed concerns over Geragos’ involvement, suggesting in a letter to the presiding judge that he may be advising Combs, which could conflict with legal protocols regarding public commentary on the case.
When questioned about his role, Geragos stated he was there primarily to support his daughter, clarifying that he was not entering the case as a legal advisor to Combs. “He is a friend,” he remarked, attempting to downplay any implications of his presence. This declaration followed the recruitment of several attorneys, including Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thug in a criminal racketeering trial, and Xavier Donaldson, who is relatively new to the team.
Despite the courtroom’s buzz, the judge refrained from publicly addressing the prosecution’s concerns regarding Geragos’s comments made on a podcast. In those remarks, Geragos referred to the all-female prosecution team in a controversial manner, which sparked a private discussion in chambers where the judge rebuked him. The judge noted that such language would not be acceptable in any courtroom, emphasizing the seriousness of the proceedings.
Geragos defended his remarks, linking them to his client’s perception of being targeted due to racial bias. He noted that the climate surrounding Combs’ case reminded him of past high-profile trials fraught with public scrutiny. However, the judge remained firm in his stance against any disparaging commentary regarding the prosecution.
The jury selection process is rapidly advancing, with a target to finalize a pool of 45 prospective jurors by the end of Wednesday. Judge Arun Subramanian is leading the questioning to sift through candidates who may bias toward the allegations against Combs, many of whom are already familiar with the case through media coverage. Some jurors expressed concerns after seeing a video depicting Combs in a physical altercation with his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, raising questions about their impartiality.
As selection continues, Combs has been attentive, presenting himself in a navy sweater and gray pants as jurors enter for individual questioning. One potential juror, while acknowledging the troubling nature of the video evidence, stated his commitment to fairness in the case.
The trial is expected to move quickly once a jury is seated, with those involved keenly aware of the public interest and legal implications surrounding this high-profile case. The proceedings will continue as Judge Subramanian endeavors to finalize the juror panel, with attorneys preparing to navigate the complexities ahead.