Sean 'Diddy' Combs Makes Unexpected 9-Word Statement in Court
Sean "Diddy" Combs made an expected 9-word statement during the first day of his trial in New York City.
The media mogul and rapper was in court for jury selection on May 5, 2025, in his high-profile case.
“I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today," Combs told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, making a rare statement in court, according to NBC News.
According to NBC News, the statement came after Combs' defense attorney "asked for a quick bathroom break," with the judge suggesting waiting. "I'm a machine," the judge responded, NBC News reported.
Because Combs has been incarcerated for months without bail, the public hasn't heard much from him directly.
The Associated Press reported that "three dozen" prospective jurors were questioned on day one of the trial. Opening statements will likely take place the following week, The AP reported. About half of the jurors were excused for various reasons by the end of the day, according to The AP. They were questioned about their biases on the high-profile case.
According to NBC News, Combs also "hugged and shook hands with his attorney."
Television cameras are not allowed in federal courtrooms, but the AP reported that Combs' appearance has changed in jail; he now has a goatee. The goatee and his hair are both "almost full gray" because the jail doesn't allow dye, AP reported, adding that Combs was clad in court in a "sweater over a white collared shirt and gray slacks."
The indictment accuses Combs of a series of very serious crimes, which he has denied. He stands accused of having engaged in or attempted to engage in sex trafficking, obstructing justice, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and bribery, the indictment says.
The indictment accuses Comb of abusing, threatening, and coercing women and others "for decades." Prosecutors say that he "relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled--creating a criminal enterprise."
They will have to prove this in court beyond a reasonable doubt, however, and Combs has denied the accusations and even rejected a plea deal offered before the trial got underway, CBS News reported.
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