Diddy Trial Starts in Manhattan With Jury Selection Underway
The Diddy trial officially began today in Manhattan federal court as jury selection kicked off in the explosive criminal case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Facing multiple felony charges—including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force—Combs, 55, could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Jury Selection in the Diddy Trial
Roughly 600 potential jurors have been summoned to the Southern District of New York courthouse. As the Diddy trial progresses, Judge Arun Subramanian is overseeing a rigorous vetting process to identify 12 impartial jurors and six alternates. The process includes detailed questionnaires and in-person interviews designed to weed out individuals with potential biases or prior knowledge of the case. Opening arguments in the Diddy trial are expected to begin on May 12.
Federal Charges Against Sean Combs
At the heart of the Diddy trial is a sweeping federal indictment accusing Combs of operating a criminal enterprise from 2004 to 2024. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his record label and affiliated companies as a façade for illegal activities—including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, and prostitution-related crimes.
A key piece of evidence in the case is a 2016 surveillance video purportedly showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. Ventura, who settled a civil lawsuit with Combs in late 2023, is expected to testify in the Diddy trial as a central witness.
“Freak Offs,” Coercion, and Alleged Blackmail
According to the indictment, Combs allegedly organized events referred to as “freak offs”—bizarre and coercive gatherings involving drug use, non-consensual sex acts, and secret recordings. Prosecutors claim the footage was kept as leverage for potential blackmail. These claims, if substantiated in court, are likely to play a pivotal role.
Defense Response to the Allegations
Despite the severity of the charges, Combs’ legal team insists that he is innocent. They argue that the alleged encounters were consensual and that the government is mischaracterizing his lifestyle and business dealings. The defense has already rejected a plea deal and appears prepared to fight aggressively throughout the trial.
Combs remains held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, following multiple denials over concerns he may flee or intimidate witnesses.
