Diddy On Trial: Jury Selection Begins In Explosive Federal Case

Jury selection is officially underway in the high-stakes federal trial that could determine the future of Sean "Diddy" Combs. Nearly seven months after being indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, transportation for prostitution, and sex trafficking—alleged crimes spanning over two decades—Combs stands firm in his defense, pleading not guilty to all charges.

On Monday morning, Judge Arun Subramanian introduced the proceedings before prospective jurors were called one-by-one to the courtroom. Each juror had to review a binder listing people and places expected to come up during the trial, ensuring no conflicts of interest. Judge Subramanian even joked that the thick binder resembled an appendix from The Lord of the Rings.

Attorneys for both sides are allowed to challenge jurors for cause or recall them later for further questioning. After several rounds of questioning, Combs’ lawyer requested a break, which the judge granted after Combs himself admitted, "I'm a little nervous today."

Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest. His trial, which will not be televised, is set to officially kick off with opening statements on May 12 at the Manhattan federal courthouse. If convicted on all counts, Combs could face life in prison.

Prosecutors allege that from 2004 to 2024, Combs ran a sprawling criminal enterprise through his business empire, engaging in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Authorities claim Combs coerced at least three women into sex acts, sometimes with male prostitutes, during events called “Freak Offs.” These encounters allegedly involved drugging victims and recording the abuse. Combs is accused of manipulating his victims with promises of career opportunities and threats of violence.

The charges against Combs include five felony counts involving four victims:

• One count of racketeering conspiracy (Victims 1–3)

• Two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion (Victims 1 and 2)

• Two counts of transportation for prostitution (Victims 1 and 2)

Prosecutors also allege that "Victim-4," a former employee, was subjected to forced labor.

The four named victims are expected to testify. Judge Subramanian previously ruled that three may use pseudonyms during the trial. However, "Victim-1"—identified as Combs' former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura—will testify under her real name.

Ventura had filed a lawsuit against Combs in 2023, accusing him of rape in 2018 and years of abuse throughout their relationship. Although Combs denied the claims, they settled the lawsuit a day after it was filed. In May 2024, a 2016 surveillance video surfaced, showing Combs striking and dragging Ventura. After CNN released the footage, Combs apologized publicly via Instagram, taking "full responsibility" for his actions.

Judge Subramanian ruled in April that the surveillance video may be shown to jurors during the trial.

Combs’ legal team includes high-profile defense attorneys Mark Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, with Brian Steel—known for representing rapper Young Thug in a Georgia racketeering case—joining in April.

The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster, Emily A. Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Reddick Smyser, and Mitzi Steiner from the Southern District of New York.

Beyond this criminal case, Combs is facing a wave of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. He has denied all allegations, though these lawsuits are separate from the ongoing federal criminal trial.