The trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has begun, with the method to select the jurors who will decide his destiny now underneath method.
Combs, sporting a white shirt with a black crew-neck sweater, gray trousers and glasses, his hair and goatee now gray, hugged and shook arms with all his attorneys as he arrived on the federal courtroom in Manhattan, New York, for the beginning of the proceedings.
The 55-year-old has been held in detention in Brooklyn since he was arrested and charged in September 2024, accused of participating in intercourse trafficking and presiding over a racketeering conspiracy over 20 years.
He has pleaded not responsible to legal expenses, stated all his sexual relationships and encounters have been consensual, and strenuously denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
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The Metropolitan Detention Middle, the place Combs is incarcerated. Pic: AP/ Yuki Iwamura
As a result of high-profile nature of the case, the jury choice course of is anticipated to final all this week, with opening statements by the attorneys set to start subsequent week.
Not like another high-profile trials within the US, this one will not be broadcast stay as a result of federal courtrooms, not like some state courtrooms, do not permit digital recordings inside.
Decide Arun Subramanian began proceedings shortly after 9am on Monday (2pm UK time), first making a number of rulings on what points consultants will probably be allowed to testify on after they take to the witness stand.
He then gave an outline of the case and commenced the questioning of potential jurors one after the other – a course of referred to as “voir dire” – with the intention of discovering a panel of 12 jurors and 6 alternates who will be honest and neutral regardless of heavy media protection of the case.
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There aren’t any cameras in court docket. Sketch: Elizabeth Williams through AP
Jurors are being requested if they’ve any views on the prosecution or the defence, in the event that they or somebody near them has been a sufferer of crime, and their beliefs on hiring intercourse employees, using unlawful medication, hip-hop artists and legislation enforcement.
They’re additionally being questioned on whether or not they have heard of names included on a listing of people, together with celebrities, who could also be talked about throughout the trial. The record is lengthy, the court docket heard, with the decide saying it reminded him of Lord Of The Rings.
What have potential jurors been requested?
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Combs embraced his attorneys in court docket. Sketch: REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg
One potential juror stated they’d heard of actors Michael B Jordan and Mike Myers, however this might not stop them being honest and neutral ought to they be chosen. One other stated they’d heard of Kanye West.
The context during which Jordan, Myers, West and different folks could also be talked about just isn’t but identified.
Different names that got here up included Aubrey O’Day and Daybreak Richard – former members of lady group Danity Kane, who have been signed to Dangerous Boy – and singer Michelle Williams.
One other potential juror was excluded as a result of she stated a member of the family had skilled one thing that made them really feel uncomfortable about listening to the case.
At one level throughout proceedings, Combs requested for a loo break, telling the decide: “I’m sorry your honour, I’m a little nervous today.”
One potential juror stated they’d seen a joke on social media about child oil authorities say they present in Combs’ residences throughout searches in March 2024. They stated they may stay neutral.
All through the day, as potential jurors have been questioned, Combs appeared to precise his approval or disapproval, both with a nod or by shaking his head no, to his attorneys.
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Brian Metal, considered one of Combs’ attorneys, pictured exterior the court docket. Pic: REUTERS/David Dee Delgado
What’s Combs accused of?
Within the indictment itemizing the formal expenses towards the rapper, he’s accused of a sample of abusive habits over 20 years, allegedly with the assistance of individuals in his entourage.
Prosecutors say he manipulated girls into taking part in drug-fuelled sexual performances with male intercourse employees, which he referred to as “Freak Offs”.
Combs and his associates resorted to violent acts, together with beatings, kidnapping and arson, when he did not get his method, they allege.
Legal professionals for Combs say any group intercourse was consensual, that there was no coercion concerned, and nothing that occurred amounted to a legal racket.
If convicted, he faces the opportunity of a long time in jail.
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What’s Sean Combs on trial for?
The Cassie video
One situation prone to be featured within the trial is an incident in 2016, when a safety digital camera recorded Combs allegedly kicking and hitting his then girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles lodge hallway.
Cassie filed a lawsuit in November 2023 saying Combs had subjected her to years of abuse, together with beatings and rape, however the case was settled the next day.
The lodge footage emerged in Might 2024. Shortly afterwards, Combs launched a video apology, saying his behaviour within the video was at a time when he had “hit rock bottom” however nonetheless was “inexcusable” and that he was “disgusted” with himself.
Certainly one of his attorneys, Marc Agnifilo, has stated Combs was “not a perfect person” and that there had been drug use and poisonous relationships, however that each one sexual exercise between Combs, Cassie and different folks was consensual.
Jury choice continues at present and all through this week, with the trial anticipated to final about eight weeks.
