Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Jury selection set to be finalized Friday in sex trafficking case
Court narrows down potential jurors from 600 to dozens, with opening statements set for Monday, May 12
The final round of jury selection will begin Monday in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The court must seat a panel of 18 New Yorkers — 12 jurors and six alternates — before opening statements are set to begin on May 12.
On Monday, lawyers will use peremptory challenges to strike off some of the remaining 43 potential jurors they do not want at trial to narrow that number down to 18. Opening statements will start after.
The music mogul is facing a five-count indictment accusing him of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.
The rapper was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged Combs and his associates threatened, abused, and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires.” This included “Freak Offs,” recorded sex performances that prosecutors say Diddy arranged and forced victims to participate in. During searches of his homes, authorities seized narcotics and 1,000 bottles of lubricant and baby oil.
Two superseding indictments against the music mogul were added. In March, fresh allegations of “forced labor,” and in April, an additional charge of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Diddy has denied any accusations of wrongdoing and has rejected the government’s plea deal offer.
Two more potential jurors out
Two more potential jurors will not take part in the trial.
One man said he had trust issues with law enforcement witnesses, as he had been picked up by the police, he said, for no reason. Judge Subramanian decided to exclude him.
Another man said he has to take care of his child and said he had trouble understanding some of the questions asked of jurors.
He was excused for cause.
Another juror excused
Another juror has been excused over her own experience with domestic violence.
More jurors excused for cause
More jurors are excused for cause by Judge Subramanian. One has a child in the hospital, while another has job interviews scheduled.
Potential juror says wife once deposed Diddy
One potential juror revealed that their wife once deposed Diddy in a case about a stampede and expressed negative views about him afterward.
While the juror says they did not tell their wife that they may be on the case, another prospective juror who knows her saw them and told her.
Judge Subramanian asks them to write the juror’s name on a Post-It note.
Diddy lawyer wants to question HBO employee again
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, wants to question the juror who works for HBO again.
HBO produced the documentary The Fall of Diddy, which has come up several times today.
Judge Subramanian tells him he can make an application to do so.
Non-excused jurors face group questioning
Judge Subramanian has jurors who were not excused brought back into the courtroom for a round of group questioning.
They give biographical information, including about their education, where they live, what their hobbies are, and what media they consume.
What do we know about the remaining jurors?
Prospective jurors are drawn from a wide range of careers, we find out in group questioning.
They work in finance, web maintenance, massage therapy, freelance writing, retail, teaching, marketing, nursing, and accounts in the prison system, among other professions.
Jurors spend their time at church, watching Netflix, playing volleyball, cooking, going to the gym, playing cricket, and include supporters of both the Mets and the Yankees. They watch The Voice, The White Lotus, British detective shows on PBS, climate change documentaries, and ESPN.
They listen to alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, gospel, reggaeton, old Indian music, country, bluegrass, and Jazz, as well as NPR, 1010 WINS, and Joe Rogan.
Jurors also read The Atlantic, The New York Times, local news publications, food magazines, and The Bulwark.
HBO juror works as photo producer
The court also learned a bit more about the HBO employee we heard from earlier.