Trial initiation on Monday for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking case, focusing on jury selection.
G'DAY, MATE!
Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial kicks off today in the Big Apple. This bloke, known for his music and business juggernaut, has been in federal lockup since his nabbing last September. He's up against charges like sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He's pleaded not guilty, of course.
OSTERWHALE, HOST:
But what's he truly facing trial for, ya ask?
Our proverbial favorite FBI gal, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, is all over this trial for NPR in NYC. So let's have a chat and see what she's spilled, ay?
OSTERWHALE: Alright, Isabella. Fill us in. What's Combs up to his neck in?
GOMEZ SARMIENTO: Well, mate, it's a right messy business alright. Combs is charged with a load of accusations tallying to his abuse of power and women around him. Prosecutors claim he leveraged his empire to dodge the heat of his actions, like sex trafficking - that's forcing or coercing someone to shag for cash or gifts. University of Southern California's criminal law professor, Aya Gruber, says the definition of commercial sex is a bit broad, as courts accept not just money exchanges but also anything of value.
GOMEZ SARMIENTO: For example, offering a leg up in someone's career could be viewed as something of value in certain instances. Besides sex trafficking, there's also transporting people across state lines to participate in commercial sex. Lastly, racketeering conspiracy binds it all together. Prosecutors allege that Combs directed his employees to hide and organize these sex crimes for over a decade. And, as you'd expect, he's pleaded not guilty to the bunch.
OSTERWHALE: Hang on now, how does this connect to the civil sexual assault lawsuits Combs is facing?
GOMEZ SARMIENTO: The legal realms of civil and criminal may be different, but they share quite a bit in common, mate. There's a fair bit of overlap in the nasty behavior being discussed here. Combs does face a handful of civil suits, including R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who was the first prominent one to pop up. However, this trial specifically focuses on the criminal charges in the indictment we discussed earlier. It's possible that some alleged victims who filed civil suits may have also been assisting the criminal investigation, though.
OSTERWHALE: Fascinating. Now, how does one choose a jury when someone as well-known as Combs finds himself in the hot seat?
GOMEZ SARMIENTO: When a star from the Big Apple with a massive following gets thrown in the slammer, finding a neutral jury can be a bit tricky. Combs' team submitted proposed jury questionnaires on topics like opinions of wealthy celebrities, music preferences, and responses to evidence of multiple sexual partners. The prosecution also proposed questions to test whether a juror is more likely to believe a witness testifying under an alias, considering Combs' alleged victims will be using pseudonyms.
OSTERWHALE: If he is found guilty, how long could he be serving time in stir?
GOMEZ SARMIENTO: Since Combs has been caged up since his collar, he'll remain there until the verdict. Should he be convinced of all the charges, he could be spending the rest of his days locked away.
GOMEZ SARMIENTO: Thanks for having me, Steve.
(SOUNDBITE OF TYLER, THE CREATOR SONG, "COLOSSUS")
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- Sean Combs' trial, centered around sex trafficking and racketeering charges related to his abuse of power and women, officially begins in New York City today.
- Combs is accused of using his empire to hide and organize sex crimes for over a decade, according to the prosecution.
- The jury selection process for Combs' trial may prove to be challenging due to his status as a well-known celebrity.
- If found guilty, Sean Combs could potentially spend the rest of his life in prison.
