Jury selection began May 5 in Diddy’s federal sex trafficking trial, with the judge jokingly comparing the witness list to Lord of the Rings.
The 54-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Jury selection will ultimately result in 12 jurors and 6 alternates, with opening statements expected May 12.
Subramanian acknowledged the high-profile nature of the case, noting that “we are not going to find a jury that has not seen this footage,” referencing the 2016 surveillance video of Combs attacking ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which will be admitted as evidence.
The case stems from multiple allegations dating back to 2008, with a federal indictment accusing Combs of operating a criminal enterprise through his business empire to commit sex trafficking, abuse, and other crimes. Authorities raided Combs’ Miami and L.A. homes earlier this year, seizing electronics and firearms.
Combs’ legal team maintains his innocence, condemning the raids and media coverage as a “witch hunt.” Despite the severity of the accusations, including over 100 alleged victims and claims involving minors, Combs remains adamant in his denial and committed to clearing his name.
The trial is expected to draw significant attention as one of the most high-profile celebrity criminal cases in recent years.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ