Diddy’s Sex-Trafficking Trial Begins in NYC with Jury Selection
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial began today in New York City with jury selection.
The hip-hop icon faces five counts related to leading a racketeering conspiracy that coerced women — including his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie — into days-long, drug-fueled sex acts that he referred to as “freak-offs.”
The trial is expected to last 8 to 10 weeks, and he faces life in prison if convicted. Despite all the interest, don’t expect any video or audio from inside the courtroom since it is a federal trial.
INSIDE COURT
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the counts, with his lawyers expected to argue that the encounters were consensual with his long-time girlfriends.
This case revolves around four alleged victims who are all expected to testify during the trial, including Cassie.
Cassie reached a deal with Combs in November 2023 for an undisclosed amount, one day after filing a lawsuit alleging the rapper raped and physical abused her.
Months later in May 2024, CNN released hotel surveillance video from 2016 that showed Combs beating, kicking, and dragging Cassie down a hallway. The judge has ruled that video can be shown during the trial.
Combs was arrested in September of 2024 and has been in custody since. There, he struck up a friendship with convicted crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.
JURY SELECTION
The jury is expected to be chosen within the next few days, with opening statements scheduled for Monday, May 12.
Jury selection in high-profile cases like this is complicated. The judge has already said she will not dismiss potential jurors just because they’ve seen the 2016 hotel surveillance video — but will do so if she believes it affects their ability to be unbiased.
About 150 potential jurors are expected to be questioned individually by the judge about their views on the hip-hop industry, drug use, and people who engage in sexual relationships with multiple partners.
They will also be asked about their experiences with sexual assault. Again, jurors won’t be dismissed simply because they or their loved ones have a history with sexual abuse — only if the judge believes they cannot be impartial during the trial because of it.