Artist and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs , one of the most influential figures in hip hop and the entertainment industry, is about to experience the darkest chapter of his career. Jury selection for his federal trial began this Monday, May 5, in the Southern District of New York. The charges against him are serious: sex trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and interstate coercion to engage in sexual acts, among others.
The day began in a tense atmosphere. More than 600 citizens completed preliminary forms, but only about 150 were summoned for individual interviews. Judge Arun Subramanian's task is to select the 12 jurors and six alternates who will decide the fate of a man who went from cultural icon to protagonist of one of the most high-profile judicial trials of the decade.
The case against Combs is based on a series of allegations that, taken together, paint a disturbing picture. According to the indictment, Diddy allegedly arranged pressured sexual encounters, known among witnesses as "freak-offs," for more than two decades. These encounters, allegedly facilitated with drugs and threats, were part of a broader network of exploitation.
Among the key figures in the trial is his ex-partner, singer Cassie Ventura, who had previously publicly alleged episodes of physical and sexual abuse. Prosecutors also plan to present as evidence a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel.
The defense, however, completely rejects these accusations. In a last-minute move, Combs' legal team brought in attorney Xavier Donaldson, a New York courtroom veteran known for his experience in complex federal cases. The strategy apparently aims to discredit key witnesses and argue that the relationships were consensual, part of a shared adult lifestyle.
If the charges are upheld, Combs could face a life sentence. Therefore, jury selection has become a meticulous process. Due to the defendant's fame and the media impact of the case, the court has taken the unusual step of keeping the jurors' identities secret as a protective measure.
Opening statements are expected to begin next Monday, May 12. The trial could last eight to ten weeks. The prosecution anticipates presenting its case in less than a month, while the defense could take an additional week.
This trial will not only mark a legal milestone, but is already having a ripple effect on the music industry, where Combs built an empire. From producer to entrepreneur, from celebrity to defendant, the legal process that begins today could forever redefine the artist's legacy.
