Jury is chosen for Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12:42 pm

**Sean "Diddy" Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Begins: Jury Selected**

The high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, the music mogul, is set to begin, with jury selection completed and opening statements scheduled. Federal prosecutors will argue that Combs transformed his hip-hop empire into a racketeering enterprise, coercing women into sexual encounters for over two decades.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment, which could result in a minimum 15-year prison sentence if he's convicted on all charges. He has been held in a Brooklyn federal jail since his arrest in September. The courtroom was packed with family, journalists, and supporters.

The jury selection process saw both the defense and prosecution strategically eliminating potential jurors. A defense lawyer raised concerns about prosecutors striking Black jurors, alleging racial bias, but the judge dismissed the claim.

Key evidence expected to be presented includes a security camera video of Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, is expected to be a key witness. Prosecutors also plan to present recordings of events called "Freak Offs," where women allegedly engaged in sex with male sex workers while Combs filmed them.

Combs' defense team argues that any group sex was consensual and any violence was an aberration. They acknowledge Combs' imperfections and that he was undergoing therapy, including for drug use, before his arrest. The trial is anticipated to last at least eight weeks.

BNN's Perspective: This trial is a stark reminder of the power dynamics that can exist within the entertainment industry. While the allegations are serious and disturbing, it's crucial to remember that Combs is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The evidence presented will be critical in determining the truth and holding those responsible accountable. The trial's outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for Combs' career and legacy.

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