Diddy Trial Begins as Potential Jurors Asked if They Are Familiar With Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Mike Myers and More Celebrities
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' federal trial began Monday. Potential jurors were asked if they recognize celebrities including Michael B. Jordan and Kanye West.
Jury selection for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial began Monday morning in New York as a media circus surrounded the courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
One hundred and fifty potential jurors were asked to fill out a questionnaire that gauged their knowledge of Combs, their views on law enforcement, whether they have experienced a sexual assault and more. They were also given a list of at least 190 celebrities and public figures and asked to indicate which names they recognized.
Among the names on that list are Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Mike Myers and Kid Cudi. It’s unclear how the names on the list relate to the Combs trial, if at all. Combs is known to have hosted big Hollywood parties and was well-connected among celebrities.
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Prosecutors believe that Kid Cudi, for one, is the victim of a car bombing committed by Combs in 2011. During that time, the “Pursuit of Happiness” rapper was romantically involved with Combs’ longtime ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, the star witness of the federal trial.
Other names listed include Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, actor Lauren London, singer Dawn Richard, singer-producer Dallas Austin and many of Combs’ family members. A surprising number of potential jurors indicated that they were not familiar with any of the names.
The jurors were given the option to discuss sensitive or personal questions in a private sidebar with just the judge, court reporter and two attorneys from each party.
Combs’ trial is expected to last at least eight weeks. Jury selection will take place until May 12, which is when opening arguments will likely occur.
Combs is facing five counts, including one for racketeering, two for sex trafficking and two for transportation to engage in prostitution. If he is convicted on any or all counts, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Since 2023, the music mogul has been hit with more than 70 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct ranging from rape to sex trafficking. Those lawsuits are separate from the federal trial, which will likely feature testimony from high-profile figures such as Combs’ ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and other alleged victims whose names have yet to be revealed.
Federal prosecutors say they have interviewed more than 50 witnesses and recovered evidence from over 100 laptops, cellphones and other electronic devices that paint Combs as a serial abuser who led a vast criminal network held together by assistants, security guards and other employees who kept quiet for years. The charges in the indictment stem from alleged crimes that span from 2004 to 2024. Combs has denied all allegations and has insisted that all sexual activities were consensual.