Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Trial: What Is He Accused Of, How His Jury Is Chosen

The trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs began in New York on Monday with jury selection. The music mogul is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. If convicted, Combs could face a life sentence.

Opening statements are set for May 12, pending jury selection. Alongside the criminal charges, Combs is battling numerous civil lawsuits from individuals accusing him of drugging, assaulting, raping, intimidating, and silencing victims.

The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and has dismissed the civil lawsuits as "attempts for a quick payday."

Charges And Allegations Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is facing a federal trial in New York on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. The most serious allegations fall under the racketeering charge, which outlines claims of kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sex - often involving threats, firearms, and abuse.

During a raid on his Los Angeles mansion, police reportedly found drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil, allegedly used for sex parties referred to as "freak offs."

Combs is also battling a wave of civil lawsuits. Over 100 men and women across the US have either filed or plan to file cases accusing him of rape, assault, and abuse. One woman, identified as Jane Doe, said she was gang raped by Combs and others in 2003 at the age of 13 after being given drugs and alcohol.

His legal troubles began in late 2023 when ex-girlfriend Cassie (Casandra Ventura) sued him for rape and physical abuse. That case was quickly settled, with Combs denying all accusations. Since then, more lawsuits have followed, with claims dating back to 1991.

In 2024, leaked surveillance footage from 2016 showed Combs assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway. He later issued a public apology, calling his actions "disgusting."

Combs denies all criminal charges and calls the lawsuit attempts to gain publicity.

How Jurors Are Being Chosen For Trial

Jury selection is underway. On Monday, attorneys and Judge Arun Subramanian worked through a pool of potential jurors, dismissing several people who couldn't commit to a long trial, reported Vulture.

The remaining candidates were questioned based on a detailed written questionnaire that asked about their knowledge of the case and any of their own experiences related to the issues involved.

Most of the potential jurors had heard about the allegations or seen the widely circulated hotel video showing Combs kicking his ex-girlfriend. Many women said they had either experienced sexual abuse themselves or knew someone who had.

Despite this, more than a dozen jurors said they could remain neutral and wait to hear the full evidence before forming an opinion.

By the end of the day, 19 people advanced to the next round of questioning. They are between the ages of 30 and 75 and come from Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester. Their jobs range from financial analysts and teachers to scientists and store cashiers.

More questioning will continue before the final jury is seated.