Jury selection underway as Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial set to begin in NYC

Jury selection is now underway in the high-profile federal criminal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution.

The trial comes nearly seven months after Combs was indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

If convicted on all five counts, Combs could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024. Opening statements in the Manhattan Federal Court are expected to begin on May 12. Cameras will not be allowed inside the courtroom.

Federal prosecutors allege that over a 20-year span — from 2004 to 2024 — Combs operated a criminal enterprise through his business network, engaging in crimes including forced sex acts, bribery, obstruction, and kidnapping.

Central to the government’s case are four women, three of whom will testify under pseudonyms. The fourth — “Victim-1” — is singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, who previously sued him in 2023, accusing him of rape and long-term abuse. That lawsuit was settled just a day after it was filed.

The court has ruled that Ventura can testify using her real name. Jurors will also be allowed to view surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura — a clip that resurfaced in May 2024 and prompted a public apology from Combs on Instagram.

Prosecutors claim Combs used drugs, manipulation, and career promises to coerce victims into what they describe as “Freak Offs” — events involving prolonged and non-consensual sex acts, some of which were allegedly filmed. One former employee has also accused Combs of forced labour.

Combs’ legal team includes high-profile defence attorneys Mark Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, and Brian Steel, the latter best known for representing rapper Young Thug.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster, Emily A. Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Reddick Smyser, and Mitzi Steiner.

Though Combs also faces numerous civil lawsuits over similar abuse allegations, those proceedings remain separate from this federal criminal case.