Jury selected for Sean (Diddy) Combs sex-trafficking trial
U.S. federal prosecutors are gearing up to prove that Sean (Diddy) Combs transformed his hip-hop empire into a criminal enterprise that exploited women to fulfill his sexual desires over a span of twenty years. The trial, taking place at Federal District Court in Manhattan, is set to begin with jury selection followed by opening statements from lawyers. Testimony could commence as early as Monday afternoon.
Combs, donning a white sweater, made his entrance into the courtroom before 9 a.m. ET, exchanging hugs with his legal team and offering a thumbs up to his supporters in the benches behind him. The scene outside the courthouse was bustling, with a line stretching down the block. Combs’ mother and some of his children were escorted through the crowd and brought directly into the building.
The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment that carries a minimum prison sentence of 15 years if convicted on all charges. Since his arrest in September, Combs has been held at a federal jail in Brooklyn. His defense attorneys argue that prosecutors are attempting to criminalize his lavish lifestyle, which may have been extravagant but not illegal.
Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced women into participating in drug-fueled group sex encounters and used violence to control them. Accusations include choking, hitting, kicking, and dragging women, often by their hair. One of Combs’ former girlfriends, R&B singer Cassie, is expected to be an early witness in the trial. Cassie had filed a lawsuit in 2023 accusing Combs of subjecting her to years of abuse, including physical assaults and rape. The lawsuit was quickly settled, triggering a law enforcement probe and numerous similar claims from other individuals.
One piece of evidence that prosecutors plan to present is a security camera video showing Combs assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel corridor in 2016. Jurors may also view recordings of alleged “freak offs,” where women reportedly engaged in sexual activities with male sex workers while Combs filmed the events. According to the indictment, these gatherings sometimes lasted for days, with participants requiring IV drips for recovery.
Combs’ defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledges that his client is not flawless and has been undergoing therapy, including treatment for substance abuse, before his arrest. However, he maintains that any group sex was consensual and any violence was an exception rather than a pattern.
Following the release of the hotel assault video featuring Combs and Cassie, the music mogul publicly apologized, expressing remorse for his actions. The trial, expected to span at least eight weeks, is poised to shed light on the allegations surrounding Combs’ conduct.
It is important to note that support is available for individuals who have experienced sexual assault. Crisis hotlines and local support services can be accessed through the Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, please call 911.
