NEW YORK (AP) – The highly publicized sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry, commenced on Monday in New York with the jury selection process. A total of twelve jurors and six alternates will be chosen, with opening statements anticipated to begin on May 12. The trial is expected to continue for a minimum of eight weeks, delving into serious allegations that have brought significant attention and scrutiny to the music mogul.
Combs faces a range of charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He has entered a plea of not guilty, maintaining his innocence in the face of these allegations. The charges reportedly stem from a period spanning from approximately 2004 to 2024, with two charges added just a month before the trial began.
The indictment claims that Combs coerced and abused numerous women over the years, utilizing a network of associates and employees to silence victims through means such as blackmail and violence, including kidnapping and physical assaults. Prosecutors assert that Combs leveraged his "power and prestige" as a music icon to manipulate female victims into participating in drug-induced sexual performances at events referred to as "freak offs" featuring male sex workers. Additionally, prior to the trial, it was revealed that Combs declined a plea agreement that could have resulted in a lighter sentence than what a potential conviction might impose, although the terms of the plea deal have not been disclosed.
In terms of evidence, the prosecution has indicated that they will present testimonies from four of Combs’ accusers, without naming them publicly. There is also security footage expected to be shown to the jury, depicting Combs allegedly beating and kicking one of his accusers, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles in 2016. During the trial, Combs’ defense attorneys are anticipated to argue that the government is misrepresenting consensual sexual activities among adults and that some of Combs’ long-term girlfriends willingly included a male sex worker in their relationships.
Cassie, who was involved with Combs for over a decade, filed a lawsuit in 2023 against him, claiming enduring abuse including rape, which sparked the investigation that culminated in his prosecution. As a part of standard journalistic practice, the Associated Press typically refrains from naming individuals who allege they have suffered sexual abuse unless they have publicly identified themselves, which Cassie has done.
The trial will take place in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who has a notable background having graduated from Columbia Law School and previously clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, Judge Subramanian is overseeing the proceedings, which involve a prosecution team of eight assistant U.S. attorneys—seven of whom are women. This prosecutorial team includes Maurene Ryan Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, notable for her role in the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was infamously involved in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Combs’ defense team is led by New York attorney Marc Agnifilo and includes Atlanta lawyer Brian Steel, who has experience defending high-profile clients like Young Thug. Currently, Combs has been held at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn following his arrest in September 2023. His appearance has changed, with his formerly black hair now mostly gray due to restrictions on hair dye while in detention. Typically seen in yellow jail uniforms during pretrial proceedings, Combs is permitted to wear a limited number of civilian clothing items for the trial.
With regards to publicity surrounding the trial, the court has prohibited photos or videos but does allow courtroom sketches. Notably, while numerous individuals have filed lawsuits against Combs alleging sexual and physical abuse, many of these claims are not part of the criminal case. Prosecutors have strategically chosen to focus on a select number of accusers who offer physical evidence or corroboration through witnesses. This selective approach indicates the prosecution's intention to build a solid case while avoiding a trial overwhelmed by a vast array of allegations.
