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New York, May 6, 2025: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs appeared visibly tense on the first day of his process for serious allegations such as abuse, sex trade and organized crime.
Instead of in the usual prisoner clothing, the once celebrated rapper presented himself in a dark sweater, gray trousers and with a clear beard.
Even before the jury’s selection began, Combs turned to the judge in a quiet voice: “I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a bit nervous today,” he said, according to the “Washington Post”, after judge Arun Subramanian hesitated to give him a break. The judge then allowed a short interruption.
Monitoring video as a central evidence
On the first day of the trial, potential jurors were asked about their knowledge of the case. Some admitted to having seen the surveillance video, the Combs 2016 shows how he attacked his then girlfriend, singer Casandra Ventura, in a hotel and drags through the hallway. Although this video was not originally planned as evidence, a previously unpublished version is now to be shown in the process.
Additional suspected victims reported similar experiences, including abuse, drug distribution, extortion and arson. As part of the investigation, the Department of Homeland Security searched Diddy’s estate in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024 and ensured over 1000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant – a find that also provided some sparse memes on social media.
Did the jury influence HBO documentary?
Another topic during the selection of the jury was the HBO documentary “The Fall of Diddy”, which was recently published. Several potential jurors stated that they had seen them and felt influenced by the film. This could be a challenge for the defense, as it fears that some jurors have already developed a preliminary opinion about the case.
In addition, judge Subramanian decided to relieve several candidates from the shortlist, as they had difficulty understanding the English language, which would have affected their ability to form objective judgment.
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Prominent support in the courtroom
According to the “Wahsington Post”, Combs repeatedly showed itself emotionally in the courtroom during the interrogation of the jurors and only reacted to statements with nods or shake of the head. Prominent personalities, such as the defense lawyer Mark Geragos, who once represented Michael Jackson, were also present in the audience and support the defense team.
Judge Subramanian said that the selection of the jury could take up to three days. The opening declarations are expected to begin on May 12, and the entire process is to take eight weeks. Even if the first day went without a large media spectacle, public attention remains high.
Serious allegations: sex trade, blackmail, drugs
Since his arrest in September 2024, the 55-year-old has been in custody in Brooklyn. He threatens 15 years to life imprisonment. Combs is charged to have forced at least four women, including his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura. Ventura, who is considered the central witness, will testify in the course of the process. Her lawsuit from 2023 was the trigger for a series of similar allegations against the musician, which were also formulated in civil lawsuits.
Combs decidedly contested all accusations and does not guilty. His lawyers argue that all sexual encounters, such as those at the “Freak Off” celebrations, were mutually acceptable and that the rapper had only maintained an unconventional lifestyle that was misunderstood.