Diddy trial: Prospective jurors quizzed on Mike Myers, infidelity, music
Sean "Diddy" Combs federal sex trafficking trial began Monday in New York with potential jurors questioned about celebrity knowledge and music tastes.
Join Fox News for access to this content
Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Having trouble? Click here.NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sean "Diddy" Combs' prospective jurors were questioned about Mike Myers, beliefs regarding infidelity and their taste in music as the defense and prosecution set out to narrow down the potential pool to 12.
Diddy's jury selection began Monday with voir dire, the questioning of potential jurors to assess their ability to remain impartial upon hearing various types of evidence.
Combs appeared anxious on the opening day of jury selection. After requesting a bathroom break at one point, he told the judge, "I'm a little nervous today." Diddy's team and the prosecution were allotted five days to seat the jury with opening statements for the rapper's sex trafficking trial beginning May 12.
DIDDY TRIAL: RAPPER FACES JURY IN OPINIONATED NY HOMETOWN BID FOR FREEDOM ON SEX TRAFFICKING CHARGES
The jurors were given a list of people and places and asked to note if they recognized any.
Comedian Mike Myers, Diddy's children – Justin and Christian Combs, Aubrey O'Day, actress Lauren London, actor Michael B. Jordan, musician Kid Cudi, Kanye West, singer Michelle Williams, Dawn Richards and Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura were among the names recognized by some of the potential jurors during voir dire.
While it's unclear why some of the celebrities made this list, USA Today reported there is a scene in Myers' "Austin Powers" that jokes about the disgraced rapper.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Myers' rep for comment.
WATCH ON FOX NATION: WHAT DIDDY DO?
Victor Balladares with Offit Kurman told Fox News Digital that the voir dire process is "crucial for both the defense and prosecution" for identifying potential juror biases.
"Inquiring if jurors recognize certain celebrity names helps determine their exposure to media coverage or personal opinions about individuals who may be involved in the case," Balladares said. "Familiarity with key figures could influence a juror's perspective, consciously or subconsciously. Identifying such connections ensures that selected jurors can evaluate the case based solely on the presented evidence, free from external influences."
"Overall, these targeted questions are designed to assemble a jury capable of delivering a fair and unbiased verdict by thoroughly examining potential prejudices and ensuring that personal experiences or beliefs do not compromise the judicial process," he added.
Fox News legal editor Kerri Urbahn noted that the prosecution's questions to the jurors were to make sure there are no Diddy "superfans," while Diddy's team is looking for the "exact opposite" out of a jury.
"The prosecution is going to be looking for people who feel that wealthy people get away with stuff the average person does not, because that will be part of their framing of their case: that the rich and famous should be held accountable just like everyone else and Diddy is at the top of the list," Urbahn said.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
The proposed list of questions that were asked of the potential jurors included inquiries into their favorite music, how they felt about celebrities and their beliefs regarding partners who cheat.
"Overall, these targeted questions are designed to assemble a jury capable of delivering a fair and unbiased verdict by thoroughly examining potential prejudices and ensuring that personal experiences or beliefs do not compromise the judicial process."
— Victor Balladares"What kind of music do you like? How often do you listen to music? Do you have an opinion about the hip-hop rap music industry or artists in that genre? If so, please tell us what it is."
"The defendant in this case is a wealthy celebrity. Do you have any opinions regarding wealthy individuals that would affect your ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case? Do you believe that wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not?
"There may be evidence that people cheated on girlfriends or boyfriends with other individuals. Would hearing about that type of evidence affect your ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case?"
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Criminal defense lawyer Lauren Johnson-Norris told Fox News Digital that the questions are "strategic and not superficial."
"Questions about cheating partners or celebrity recognition cut to the core of juror psychology," Johnson-Norris said. "Have they been betrayed? Are they starstruck? Do they think justice bends for the rich? Each answer helps the attorneys read between the lines and strike the people who might already have their minds made up.
Oleg Nekritin, a defense attorney at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot, noted that Diddy's team likely engaged in "mock trials and focus groups" prior to the jury questioning.
"Questions about cheating partners or celebrity recognition cut to the core of juror psychology."
— Lauren Johnson-Norris"When a case bears marks of celebrity or notoriety, it is also important for the government to ensure that potential advocates or individuals with preconceived notions and prejudices do not make it on a jury," Nekritin told Fox News Digital. "The more questions you ask, the more likely you are to find out who will not be able to view the case fairly and impartially."
Former felony prosecutor Eric Faddis agreed that jurors' responses could indicate how a jury may view certain evidence or arguments.
"The defense is seeking jurors who do not have delicate sensibilities, jurors who can hear evidence about what the defense may style as ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’ without being put off or rushing to judgment," Faddis said. "The prosecution wants jurors who will not be distracted by bright shiny objects or get off track by any circus the defense may bring to trial."
The "Last Night" singer hired Marc Agnifilo to spearhead his legal defense after being arrested in September following a federal indictment. In addition to Agnifilo, the disgraced music mogul retained criminal defense attorney Teny Geragos, the daughter of renowned criminal defense lawyer Mark Geragos.
Sources told Fox News Digital that Mark Geragos, who was in court on Monday, will assist Combs’ legal team throughout the trial in an unofficial role. Jury selection resumes at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6.
Fox News Digital's Stepanie Giang contributed to this report.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
NEW YORK (AP) — Rihanna shut down a rainy Met Gala on Monday in a pinstripe look and a huge hat, her newly announced baby bump onRead More
Read more >> : Cick here
 |
 |
 |
 |
 — Rihanna shut down a rainy Met Gala on Monday in a pinstripe look and a huge hat, her newly announced baby bump onRead More %23rihanna) |
 |
 |
The model attended fashion’s biggest night in New York City as her husband was noticeably absent.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The “Kardashians” star nearly bared her behind on the red carpet hours earlier in a corseted Chrome Hearts set, accessorized with a leather hat.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Another little one is on the way for Rihanna!
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
And you thought this year's red carpet was good!
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
While previously carrying her and A$AP Rocky’s sons, RZA and Riot, Rihanna made headline after headline for her daring pregnancy fashion.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A$AP Rocky hosted a Met Gala 2025 after party at Jean's, in partnership with Ray-Ban.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Halle Berry is a total showstopper at the 2025 Met Gala with her barely-there look, showing off her stunning physique.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
With Kamala Harris headlining a top-dollar DNC fundraiser, the former vice president is wading further into the political spotlight after her 2024 election defeat.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Diana Ross, Pamela Anderson and Stevie Wonder turned the 2025 Met Gala into a family affair with appearances alongside their children
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Met Gala 2025 After Party: Willy Chavarria and Wayman and Micah hosted an after party at The Mark Hotel.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
“I know that many people do not have a problem with abortion, and though I have supported it in the past, it eats away at my soul,” the “Frasier” star writes.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Chimamanda Adichie, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy are some of the Nigerians celebrities who attended the Met Gala 2025 red carpet in celebration of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Rain or shine — A-listers at the Met Gala were looking superfine.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who have been dating since 2021, are expecting their third child together and the singer showed off her baby bump at the Met Gala.
Read more >> : Cick here
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Twitter (X), Inc. was an American social media company based in San Francisco, California, which operated and was named for its flagship social media network prior to its rebrand as X. In addition to Twitter, the company previously operated the Vine short video app and Periscope livestreaming service
Twitter (X) is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 619 million monthly active users worldwide. One of the most exciting features of Twitter (X) is the ability to see what topics are trending in real-time. Twitter trends are a fascinating way to stay up to date on what people are talking about on the platform, and they can also be a valuable tool for businesses and individuals to stay relevant and informed. In this article, we will discuss Twitter (X) trends, how they work, and how you can use them to your advantage.
What are Twitter (X) Worldwide Trends?
Twitter (X) Worldwide trends are a list of topics that are currently being talked about on the platform and also world. The topics on this list change in real-time and are based on the volume of tweets using a particular hashtag or keyword. Twitter (X) Worldwide trends can be localized to a Worldwide country or region or can be global, depending on the topic's popularity.
How Do Twitter (X) Worldwide Trends Work?
Twitter (X) Worldwide trends are generated by an algorithm that analyzes the volume of tweets using a particular hashtag or keyword. When the algorithm detects a sudden increase in tweets using a specific hashtag or keyword, it considers that topic to be trending.
Once a topic is identified as trending, it is added to the list of Twitter (X) Worldwide trends. The topics on this list are ranked based on their popularity, with the most popular topics appearing at the top of the list.
Twitter (X) Worldwide trends can be filtered by location or category, allowing users to see what topics are trending in their area or in a particular industry. Additionally, users can click on a trending topic to see all of the tweets using that hashtag or keyword.