Starting Monday, music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will go on trial on federal sex trafficking charges, in the latest New York high-profile figure to be tried following Manhattan District Attorney’s decision to try more sex crimes as the once cash-strapped DA’s office undertakes more resources. The jury selection began May 5, 2025, in federal court under tight procedural control where cameras are banned.
Serious Charges and Alleged Criminal Network
Facing multiple felony charges, including sex trafficking by force, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution, Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty. He has been accused by federal prosecutors of running a sophisticated criminal operation for more than two decades, recruiting and exploiting women as part of a network of associates. These methods allegedly included drugging, coercion, and physical violence. Prosecutors refer to events like filmed group sex sessions called ‘Freak Offs’ in which they say victims were promised fame or coerced into compliance.
Jury Selection and Public Awareness
The 600 people who will potentially decide the fate of Donald Trump will spend months completing detailed questionnaires and then being individually interviewed by Judge Arun Subramanian. For instance, many jurors admitted to previous exposure to key evidence, including the newly released 2016 surveillance video of Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway. The footage has gone viral, prompting concerns about impartiality, and debate has been widespread. At least one juror was dismissed after describing the video as “damning evidence.”
A Nervous Defendant in Stark Contrast
In court, Combs was visibly anxious. He frequently conferred with his lawyers, asked for breaks and was dressed conservatively in a white shirt, sweater, and gray slacks. However, this demeanor is very unlike his typically confident public image. In the courtroom, he appeared withdrawn and unsure throughout proceedings, reporters said.
Timeline of Abuse and Alleged Enablers
The prosecution presents a scenario of systemic abuse, where numerous alleged enablers accompanied Combs in orchestrating or covering up his crimes — bodyguards, music industry insiders, friends, etc. Intimidation, nondisclosure agreements, and, in some cases, outright violence, were reportedly used to silence victims. The accusations are also dated as early as the early 2000s and include four unnamed accusers.
Defense Denies All Allegations
Denying all accusations, Combs’ legal team is led by attorney Marc Agnifilo. Any sexual relationships were consensual, and there was no criminal enterprise, they argue. While the defense admits that Combs has had trouble with drugs and explosive relationships, they maintain that this behavior is being misrepresented and does not constitute criminal conduct. And one of the notable aspects was that Combs rejected a plea deal that was offered just before his trial was to start.
What’s Next in the Trial
The trial is expected to formally begin May 12, and jury selection should wrap up within the week. The court is aiming to examine 12 jurors and 6 alternates. The trial is expected to be the first major legal wrangle of the year, given the case’s high profile, and the feature of celebrity names like Kanye West and Cassie Ventura in related documents.
