Diddy Tells Judge He’s ‘Nervous’ as Jury Selection in S*x Trafficking Trial Begins in New York

by

On Monday morning, Sean “Diddy” Combs swapped his prison attire for a casual outfit – a blue sweater, white t-shirt, and glasses – as he reappeared at a Manhattan courthouse. He took his seat with his legal team towards the front while over 150 potential jurors were questioned in preparation for the final jury of 12 members and six alternates.

Following my completion of an extensive questionnaire focusing on the hip-hop industry, I was among the first group of 50 prospective jurors called into the courtroom for individual review. During this process, we went over our questionnaire responses to identify any potential conflicts of interest and assess our knowledge about the hip-hop scene. The judge initiated the jury selection process with us.

During the middle of the proceedings, Diddy’s lawyers politely asked for a moment to step away for a restroom break. When the judge inquired if they could continue without interruption, Diddy raised his hand and apologetically stated, “With all due respect, your honor, I must admit that I am feeling somewhat anxious today.

During the selection process, jurors were queried if they had any personal experience with sexual assault, other traumatic events, or if their impartiality might be compromised in the upcoming trial. Additionally, they were asked if they had come across news about the case and whether they had watched the widely-shared Cassie Ventura video.

At the outset of jury selection, Judge Arun Subramanian remarked, “The list of individuals and locations seems so extensive, I initially thought it was an appendix from The Lord of the Rings.” Additionally, he informed the courtroom that the trial might last close to eight weeks following the opening statements delivered by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District and Diddy’s legal team on May 12th.

Diddy is being accused of several offenses, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and facilitating prostitution, with claims that he recruited and forced women into extended sexual encounters at his supposed “freak-off” events. If convicted, he may receive a sentence of life imprisonment.

Diddy asserts that he refutes every accusation, claiming these alleged sexual liaisons were consensual. Furthermore, he declined a proposed agreement from federal prosecutors.

Read More

2025-05-05 20:07