Diddy is fighting for his freedom in a New York trial following his arrest in September 2024. After being hit with charges that include sex trafficking and racketeering, he’s pleaded not guilty and doubled down by rejecting a plea deal. Jury selection is in full swing ahead of the trial, but the process has been anything but simple for the court. Here’s what to know.
Jury Selection Begins In Diddy’s Trial
On Monday, May 5, jury selection kicked off in Manhattan’s federal courthouse with nearly 100 potential jurors. Due to Diddy’s high profile, the process has faced some challenges. Four days later, on Thursday, May 7, potential jurors were still being interviewed.
Per USA Today, common questions that arose during the latest court session had jurors quizzed about sexual assault. Jurors were asked about whether they were victims of non-consensual sexual acts, as well as possible relatives or friends who’d dealt with sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence. This was seemingly an effort to narrow down the list, which was reduced from nearly 100 people to just 45.
Many admitted to being familiar with a 2016 hotel surveillance video allegedly showing Combs assaulting Cassie, per CNN. Some jurors referenced media coverage, including a documentary, ‘The Fall of Diddy,’ raising concerns about bias. According to USA Today, one woman was an employee at HBO. She was dismissed from selection when Diddy’s attorneys requested, for a second time, that she not be included because of her ties to the company.
The court also questioned jurors’ views on hip-hop culture and law enforcement, aiming for equal treatment. By day’s end, the court dismissed half the pool. Jury selection is expected to conclude on Friday, May 8, per the Associated Press. Judge Arun Subramanian oversees the proceedings, with opening statements set for Monday, May 12.
Diddy’s Charges + His Not Guilty Plea
Diddy faces five federal counts. The father of four has been hit with several charges. These include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking on two counts, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors claim Diddy forced women into sexual encounters, which often involved male escorts in tow, at parties he called “Freak Offs.” There, he would reportedly use drugs and intimidation to dominate victims. Other accusations involve witness intimidation, as well as violent acts like kidnapping and setting fires.
A conviction could mean life behind bars for Diddy. Yet, he’s stood firm, entering not guilty pleas to every charge following his arrest in September 2024. Just before the trial, it was revealed that the Bad Boy Records founder had turned down a plea offer, suggesting that he trusts his defense strategy.
On Thursday, May 1, when Judge Arun Subramanian asked if he rejected the plea deal, Diddy responded, “Yes, I do, your honour. Thank you.” Per the BBC, the defense strategy for Diddy’s attorneys will be proving that their client led a “swinger” lifestyle and enjoyed sexual activities with consenting partners.
“There’s a lifestyle, call it swingers, that he was in that he thought was appropriate,” his attorney Marc Agnifilo said at a hearing, according to ABC News. “The reason he thought it was appropriate is because it’s so common.”
Cassie Ventura Is Reportedly Testifying
Additionally, Cassie is reportedly expected to testify, and she’s being considered as the prosecution’s central witness. Her 2023 civil lawsuit against Combs, alleging rape and years of abuse, initially sparked her ex’s legal drama. According to sources via PEOPLE, Cassie is “prepared to testify under her own name.” Three other alleged victims will also testify against Diddy, though they have chosen to remain anonymous. The news outlet adds that they’ll be addressed using “only pseudonyms” during the trial.
Meanwhile, a 2016 hotel video shows Diddy allegedly attacking the singer. Prosecutors deem the footage as “critical” to proving trafficking and force, per CBS News. Cassie’s testimony is expected to offer the court a firsthand account of her former relationship with the mogul. The pair were together from 2007 to 2018. However, it’s worth noting that Cassie’s team has not confirmed whether she will, in fact, be appearing on trial.
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