New York, NY — Jury selection commenced Monday in federal court for Sean “Diddy” Combs, as nearly 36 potential jurors were questioned regarding their familiarity with the high-profile sex trafficking case against the music mogul. In a Manhattan courtroom, jurors were presented with a comprehensive list of over 100 names and locations that may be mentioned during the trial, including renowned figures like Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, and Kanye West. Notably, none of these personalities are implicated in the allegations against Combs.
The list also featured women who have filed civil lawsuits related to Combs, such as Casandra Ventura, his former girlfriend. Ventura’s lawsuit was pivotal in leading to the federal charges, which include allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. Another woman, Dawn Richard, claimed in a separate suit that Combs had assaulted her, an accusation he denies while the case remains unresolved. The attorneys did not clarify the purpose of the extensive list, and representatives for the celebrities mentioned did not respond to inquiries.
During the proceedings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey raised concerns about difficulties in reaching an attorney for a key witness referred to as Victim-3 in the indictment. The uncertainty about her availability for court could complicate the prosecution’s case as they aim to prove Combs exploited women over the span of two decades.
Combs, who has been held in a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024, appeared in court dressed in casual attire— a white collared shirt paired with a black sweater and dark trousers. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian granted Combs the option to wear his clothing throughout the trial. The judge made several rulings on Monday, allowing a psychiatrist to testify as a defense expert regarding drugs and their effects on Combs, including incidents of blackouts.
The government’s argument centers on serious allegations that Combs coerced women, including Ventura, into participating in illicit drug-fueled encounters that he directed and documented. Allegations echo a 2023 civil lawsuit filed by Ventura, which settled quickly without Combs admitting any wrongdoing. His legal team maintains that all encounters were consensual, while prosecutors assert that these acts constituted sex trafficking, bolstered by claims that Combs used blackmail and intimidation to silence victims.
Key evidence in the prosecution’s case includes disturbing footage from March 5, 2016, showing an alleged attack by Combs on Ventura in a hotel. Prosecutors assert that this incident, which occurred as Ventura attempted to escape, is critical in demonstrating Combs’ use of force in relation to the described encounters. The video has drawn considerable public attention, and Combs has publicly expressed remorse, calling his actions “inexcusable.”
In a dramatic turn, prosecutors allege that Combs attempted to bribe hotel security to conceal the footage, a claim which has faced scrutiny. His defense team contends the video has been manipulated and should not be admitted as evidence. During jury selection, several prospective jurors confirmed familiarity with the footage. One woman deemed it “damning,” leading to her dismissal from the jury pool.
As the selection process unfolded, potential jurors disclosed personal anecdotes that could affect their impartiality. Some expressed familiarity with Combs through entertainment circles, complicating the court’s efforts to achieve an unbiased jury. U.S. District Judge Subramanian aims to finalize a jury of 12 plus six alternates within three days, as the trial is anticipated to span eight weeks.
Notable defense attorney Mark Geragos was present in court Monday, ready to support Combs’ legal strategy. He referenced his parental instincts as he monitored the process, signaling his involvement as an unofficial advisor. The outcome of this case hinges on the jurors’ ability to navigate the substantial media attention and the weight of the allegations against one of the music industry’s most influential figures, making it a closely followed trial in the public eye.