Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial Stalls as Judge Postpones Final Jury Pick
The final stage of jury selection in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex-trafficking and racketeering trial has been pushed to Monday after concerns were raised that jurors might back out over the weekend. The delay, granted by Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday, followed a request by Combs’s defense team and over the objection of federal prosecutors, according to The Guardian.
Combs, 55, faces serious federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and has denied all allegations.
Jury selection began earlier this week in a Manhattan courtroom, where nearly 100 potential jurors were questioned. A pool of 45 finalists remains, and when proceedings resume Monday, that number will be narrowed to 12 jurors and six alternates. Opening statements are expected to begin immediately afterward.
Related: The Surprising Question Potential Jurors Faced in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial
The charges against Combs outline a sprawling criminal enterprise allegedly built on fame, influence, and manipulation. Prosecutors claim Combs orchestrated so-called “freak offs”—drug-fueled sex parties where women were allegedly forced to engage in sex acts with male sex workers while being filmed. They allege that these events were arranged by Combs’s inner circle over a span of years.
Combs’s defense team has pushed back, claiming the prosecution is attempting to criminalize consensual adult activity. They argue that any group sex was consensual and that the government is relying on salacious allegations rather than criminal fact.
Three accusers are expected to testify, though the prosecution admitted Friday that one alleged victim—referred to as “Victim-3”—may not take the stand due to trouble contacting her lawyer. In another twist, the defense has signaled plans to claim mutual violence in Combs’s relationship with ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify. The judge has yet to rule on whether that line of defense will be allowed.
With opening arguments set to begin Monday, the trial has drawn national attention due to the nature of the charges and Combs’s public profile.