Jury selection set to begin in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs criminal federal trial

Jury selection in the federal trial that will determine the future for Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to get begin Monday, nearly seven months after the once-highly influential pop culture figure was indicted for racketeering conspiracy, transportation to engage in prostitution and sex trafficking, crimes that the government claims spanned over two decades.

Jury selection in the federal trial that will determine the future for Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to get begin Monday, nearly seven months after the once-highly influential pop culture figure was indicted for racketeering conspiracy, transportation to engage in prostitution and sex trafficking, crimes that the government claims spanned over two decades. Combs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Combs, who has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest, and his lawyers will report to a Manhattan Federal courthouse for an trial – that will not be televised – with opening statements expected to begin on May 12. If convicted on all charges, Combs faces up to life in prison. Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2024, Combs created a criminal enterprise using his business empire where he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice. He is accused of coercing at least three women to engage in sex acts with him and, at times, with male prostitutes, during occasions known as “Freak Offs,” where the victims were allegedly drugged and forced to engage in sex for days. Authorities allege Combs recorded some of the sex acts and controlled his victims by promising financial and career opportunities, as well as through threats of violence and other harm.