Diddy sex trafficking trial begins with celebrity name-drop during jury selection process
Jury selection has officially begun in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' high-profile federal sex trafficking trial, with over 150 potential jurors questioned at a Manhattan courthouse.
As part of the process, jurors were asked about their familiarity with a list of over 190 names, including celebrities like Kanye West, Michael B. Jordan, Kid Cudi, Mike Myers, and others—some of whom may be connected to the trial.
Among those reportedly tied to the case is Kid Cudi, whom prosecutors believe was the victim of a 2011 car bombing allegedly orchestrated by Combs. At the time, Cudi was reportedly dating Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, the trial's star witness. Michael B. Jordan, who also dated Ventura briefly in 2015, is not expected to testify, according to sources.
Potential jurors were also asked about their personal experiences with sexual assault, law enforcement, and their opinions on media coverage. Many admitted to seeing the 2016 hotel video showing Combs allegedly assaulting Ventura—though CNN's version of the footage will not be used in court.
Combs is facing five felony charges: racketeering, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, the 55-year-old mogul could face life in prison. The charges span alleged crimes from 2004 to 2024.
Concerns were raised over several jurors' affiliations, including one who works at HBO, which released The Fall of Diddy docuseries. Another was excused due to a connection with an upcoming memoir by Al B. Sure!, who accuses Combs of threatening behavior.
Opening statements in the trial are expected to begin May 12. Combs has denied all allegations, claiming that any sexual encounters were consensual.
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