NEW YORK—Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared visibly anxious as he faced potential jurors in his high-profile criminal trial centered on serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. The hip-hop mogul candidly expressed his feelings of nervousness to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian during jury selection earlier this week.
During the initial questioning of jurors, Combs requested a brief recess. After the bathroom break, jury selection resumed as the prosecution outlined claims that for years, Combs allegedly exploited his entertainment empire for illegal activities involving violent acts, bribery, and the trafficking of two female associates. Combs has firmly denied these allegations and maintains his not guilty plea to the five felony counts filed against him.
Resisting a plea deal offered last month, Combs has bolstered his defense team by enlisting three additional attorneys, including Brian Steel, who successfully represented rapper Young Thug in a separate case. This expansion comes as Combs has been held without bail since his arrest last September.
The 55-year-old has noticeably changed in appearance during his detention, sporting all-gray hair and a matching goatee. His attire has shifted from tailored suits and diamond accessories to minimal clothing provided by the facility: five shirts, five pairs of pants, five sweaters, and two pairs of laceless shoes. In court, his slacks hung loosely due to restrictions on wearing belts for safety reasons.
Despite his apprehensions, Combs maintained a positive demeanor throughout jury selection. He engaged warmly with his legal team and greeted supporters arriving in court. One of those supporters wore a “Free Puff” hoodie, emphasizing the community backing him.
The jury selection process experienced delays, with lawyers agreeing to reconvene Monday to finalize the juror pool, now narrowed down to 43 candidates. Concerns were raised that some jurors might withdraw over the weekend due to the trial’s celebrity nature. Opening arguments are anticipated to commence immediately after the jury is selected.
Combs took an active role in the jury selection, visibly reacting to potential jurors’ statements. His expressions ranged from laughter when a juror mentioned their difficulties in staying off marijuana during the trial to shaking his head when another juror disclosed familiarity with a documentary featuring his life. Notably, a woman shared her prior brush with celebrity culture, having been arrested for stealing a wand from a theme park, prompting a lighthearted response from the judge.
Recognition of high-profile names during juror questioning made headlines, underscoring the trial’s media significance. Many jurors admitted to being aware of Combs’ past and the charges against him, largely through social media or conversations with friends. Some even mentioned having reacted to online jokes and memes about Combs, revealing the pervasive nature of the case in popular culture.
One pivotal piece of evidence, a surveillance video allegedly showing Combs assaulting one of the women involved, has sparked concern among jurors. Many expressed having seen the footage but asserted their ability to remain impartial. Combs’ defense team has emphasized the video’s potential impact on jurors’ perceptions, arguing it should not influence their final judgment.
In a surprising turn, prosecutors indicated they may not call a woman referred to as Victim-3 to testify, despite her name appearing in the indictment. Earlier assertions regarding her intentions to cooperate seem to have hit a snag, leaving uncertainty surrounding her participation in the trial.
Throughout the proceedings, Judge Subramanian attempted to maintain a lighter atmosphere, often engaging jurors with humor. However, he has also been firm in addressing any inappropriate remarks made regarding the prosecution team, warning against any future disruptive statements.
As the week progresses, the trial is expected to unfold rapidly once opening statements begin. Prosecutors have yet to reveal witness names but hinted at calling two key witnesses early in the proceedings, with the testimony of Combs’ former girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, anticipated to play a crucial role. Ventura’s recent lawsuit against Combs outlines several serious allegations, with many elements mirrored in the criminal charges he now faces.
With jury selection concluding and the trial set to commence, the coming weeks promise intense courtroom drama as both sides present their cases in what has become one of the most closely-watched trials in the celebrity sphere.