Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs appeared in court on Monday, May 5, as jury selection began in his federal sex trafficking trial.
The music mogul is facing five serious charges and could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
Diddy has been in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September arrest and has been denied bail several times.
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Jury selection will last about a week, with opening statements set for May 12. The full trial is likely to run between eight and ten weeks.
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Potential jurors first completed questionnaires to check for bias and knowledge of the case. They returned for in-person questioning on Monday. A total of twelve jurors and six alternates will be chosen for the trial.
Diddy arrived at the Manhattan courtroom wearing a suit and glasses. He had previously asked the court for permission to wear personal clothes instead of prison uniforms.
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The court allowed him to bring a limited set of button-down shirts, pants, sweaters, socks, and shoes without laces.
Prosecutors say Diddy used his music business and companies, including Love Records and Combs Global, to run a criminal operation. They claim he trafficked women, laundered money, and hosted drug-fueled parties across state lines.
Authorities say they have evidence, including surveillance footage, travel records, financial documents, and testimony from more than 50 witnesses.
One key piece of evidence is a video showing Diddy allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at a California hotel. Prosecutors say it supports claims of kidnapping and control.
READ ALSO: Diddy To Stand Trial As He Rejects Final Plea Offer
There are also allegations that he made threats against rapper Kid Cudi, including a claim that someone linked to Diddy caused an explosion involving Cudi’s car.
Other accusations include an armed break-in, physical violence, and using intimidation to silence victims. Prosecutors say some of his close associates helped arrange the crimes by recruiting women and supplying drugs.
