Jury selection has begun in the federal trial involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing charges related to racketeering conspiracy, transportation for prostitution, and sex trafficking. Combs, a once highly influential figure in pop culture, denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty. The trial, which is not televised, is taking place at a Manhattan Federal courthouse, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
Combs, who has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024, could face life in prison if convicted on all charges. Prosecutors claim that between 2004 and 2024, Combs operated a criminal enterprise within his business empire, engaging in various illegal activities such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Allegations include coercing women into sex acts, recording these acts, and controlling victims through promises of financial opportunities or threats of violence.
The trial involves five charges in total, relating to four victims. Combs is accused of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. The government has identified the victims, with some expected to testify under pseudonyms. Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who previously filed a lawsuit against him alleging rape and abuse, has chosen to testify under her own name.
The 2016 surveillance video first released by CNN showed Combs striking and dragging Ventura. Two days later, Combs publicly apologized for the incident, taking full responsibility in an Instagram video. In a courtroom sketch from his bail hearing in September 2024 in New York, Combs is depicted sitting at the defense table with one of his attorneys, as shown by Elizabeth Williams/AP. During a pre-trial hearing in April, it was ruled that the 2016 incident footage could be presented to the jury at trial. Leading Combs’ legal team are Mark Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, with Brian Steel joining in April, known for representing rapper Young Thug in a recent racketeering trial in Georgia. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York indicted Combs in 2024, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster, Emily A. Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Reddick Smyser, and Mitzi Steiner handling the case. Combs is also facing numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, which he denies, and are separate from his federal criminal trial. Reporting on this story included contributions from CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister, Sandra Gonzalez, and Nicki Brown. Stay updated with CNN news and newsletters by creating an account at CNN.com.
