Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday as jury selection began for his federal sex trafficking trial. Nearly three dozen prospective jurors were questioned about their knowledge of the case and ability to remain impartial. The jurors were shown a list of over 100 names, including celebrities like Michael B.
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Jordan, Mike Myers, and Kanye West, who are not implicated in the case. The list also included women who have filed civil lawsuits against Combs, such as his former girlfriend Cassandra Ventura. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his power and influence to sexually exploit women over two decades.
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They claim he forced women to engage in drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers, which he directed and filmed. Combs denies the allegations, stating the encounters were consensual.
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Jury selection starts in Diddy trial
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A key piece of evidence is a video showing Combs attacking and dragging Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Prosecutors argue this is evidence of trafficking, while Combs apologized for his “inexcusable” behavior after the video aired on CNN last year. Several prospective jurors admitted to seeing the video, with one woman calling it “damning” and being excused.
Another, who works for HBO, found it “disturbing” but said she could remain impartial. Combs expressed his feelings on potential jurors during the proceedings by nodding or shaking his head. At one point, he told the judge, “I’m a little nervous today,” and was granted a break.
The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with the court aiming to seat a jury of 12 people and six alternates within three days. The jurors will remain anonymous throughout the trial. Combs’ legal team is being advised by high-profile defense lawyer Mark Geragos, who is playing an unofficial role in selecting jurors.
