Trial Overview

The final pre-trial hearing for Combs took place on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, paving the way for the jury selection process set to start on Monday, May 5. With his decision to reject the plea offer, the case will proceed to trial, allowing a jury to determine the outcomes based on the evidence presented.

In a notable aspect of the proceedings, the judge ruled that Combs can appear in civilian clothing rather than a prison uniform, which could potentially sway jury perceptions. He will be permitted personal attire including button-down shirts and shoes without laces.

Jury Selection Process

The jury selection will sift through a pool of 600 potential jurors, ultimately narrowing it down to 12 regular members and 6 alternates. This week, jurors will be questioned about their biases, financial backgrounds, and previous experiences with the legal system.

• Questions will cover views on intimate partner violence, prostitution, and the music industry.
• Jurors may also be asked their opinions on whether wealth affords individuals immunity from legal consequences.

Key Evidence in the Case

A significant component of the prosecution’s case includes surveillance footage from 2016, reportedly showing Diddy attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The evidence also includes videos of alleged drug-fueled parties, referred to by prosecutors as “freak-offs.”

Combs’ legal team contends that the videos are being taken out of context, arguing that they represent a complex consensual relationship rather than criminal behavior.

Charges Against Diddy

Overview of Charges

Combs faces multiple federal charges, including:

• Count One: Racketeering conspiracy covering a period from 2004 to 2024.
• Count Two: Sex trafficking involving coercion of an adult female victim from 2009 to 2018.
• Count Three: Transportation of individuals for prostitution.
• Count Four: Additional sex trafficking charges incurred between 2021 and 2024.
• Count Five: Further transportation charges for prostitution during the same period.

Witnesses and Testimony

While the identities of the jurors will be anonymized, the witness list is still being finalized. Notably, Cassie Ventura has opted to testify under her real name, distinguishing her case from those of other alleged victims who may remain anonymous. Ventura’s previous lawsuit against Diddy, alleging abuse during their relationship, stands as a critical axis for the federal charges.