High-Profile Trial Against Sean "Diddy" Combs Underway in Manhattan Courtroom
Anxious in Manhattan's Courtroom - Defendant appearing apprehensive during Manhattan court hearing
The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, the 55-year-old hip-hop legend, has kicked off in Manhattan, drawing significant attention. In the first day of jury selection, Combs admitted to feeling a bit jittery under oath before Judge Arun Subramanian (46).
Monday's hearing marks the beginning of the jury selection process, with opening statements slated for May 12. About three dozen New Yorkers gathered in the courtroom, each questioned about their knowledge of the case involving Combs. The list of potential witnesses includes big names like Michael B. Jordan (38), Mike Myers (61), and Kanye West (47). Prospective jurors were asked if they knew any of these individuals to assess their impartiality.
Moreover, the list included women who have previously sued Combs, such as his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura (38) and singer Dawn Richard (41), who was a member of his group from 2009 to 2012. The trial revolves around allegations of Combs exploiting his power and influence to sexually exploit women over a 20-year period.
Combs Denies All Charges
After being in custody since mid-September 2024, Combs has pleaded "not guilty" to charges that include sex trafficking, organized crime, and other offenses. He is accused of forcing women, including Ventura, into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers that he organized and filmed under the name "Freak Offs." Defense lawyers argue that the prosecution is criminalizing consensual sexual activity.
On the first day of jury selection, Combs showed up in a black turtleneck sweater, white collared shirt, and gray pantsuit. During the questioning, he nodded or shook his head in agreement or disagreement. When his attorneys requested a restroom break, Combs jokingly apologized to the judge, saying he was a bit nervous.
The eight-week-long trial is expected to last approximately eight weeks.
Highlights
- Prosecution accuses Sean "Diddy" Combs of racketeering, sex trafficking, and other crimes.
- Jury selection process is underway, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
- High-profile individuals, such as Michael B. Jordan and Kanye West, are potential witnesses.
- Sean "Diddy" Combs pleads "not guilty" to all allegations.
- The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.
- Sean "Diddy" Combs
- New York
- Manhattan
- Courtroom
- Women
- NBC
- Arun Subramanian
- Girlfriend
- Michael B. Jordan
- Mike Myers
- Kanye West
- Sean "Diddy" Combs, the hip-hop legend, is facing charges in a trial underway in a Manhattan courtroom in New York, attracting significant attention from the media and the general public.
- The jury selection process for Combs' trial began on Monday, with potential jurors being questioned about their understanding of the case, including their awareness of notable individuals like Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, and Kanye West, who may be potential witnesses.
- In addition to these celebrities, women who have previously sued Combs, such as his girlfriend Cassie Ventura and singer Dawn Richard, are also listed as potential witnesses.
- Despite being in custody since mid-September 2024, Combs has pleaded "not guilty" to charges that include sex trafficking, organized crime, and other offenses.
- The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks, with opening statements scheduled for May 12 in the Manhattan courtroom.
