Jury selection has commenced in the federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces multiple serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and the transportation of individuals for illegal sexual activity.
Combs, who has been held in custody since his arrest in September 2024, has pleaded not guilty to all counts. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to life imprisonment.
According to court documents reviewed by CNN, potential jurors will be questioned on a range of sensitive topics, including their views on the music industry, drug use, intimate partner violence, and personal attitudes toward sexual behaviour. These measures are aimed at ensuring an impartial jury in a high-profile case that has garnered extensive media attention.
The jury selection process is expected to last approximately one week. Opening statements are scheduled to begin on Monday, 12 May.
The prosecution team is reported to be led by a group of female attorneys, including the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. Meanwhile, the defence has expressed concern over the widespread publicity surrounding video evidence that allegedly played a key role in the initial investigation. Attempts to exclude this footage from trial proceedings were denied by the court.
The case marks one of the most high-profile federal trials involving a figure from the music industry in recent years. Proceedings are taking place in the Southern District of New York.
