Jury selection begins in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ federal trial in New York

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Jury selection began on Monday in New York for the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the prominent music mogul facing serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. If convicted, Combs could face a life sentence. Testimony is expected to commence next week, with the trial likely to continue for at least six weeks. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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According to a 17-page indictment, prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his position of power to manipulate, abuse, and coerce women for sexual purposes while protecting his public image. The indictment outlines claims of drug-fuelled sexual encounters and threats of violence—including physical assault and arson—used to enforce compliance. It also accuses Combs of offering career incentives in exchange for sexual cooperation and resorting to intimidation when faced with resistance, including an incident where he allegedly dangled someone from a balcony.

Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledged past drug use and what he termed “toxic relationships” but stressed that all sexual activity was consensual. He described Combs’ lifestyle as that of a consensual “swingers” culture and insisted there was nothing criminal in such behaviour. The case follows mounting scrutiny after Combs was previously named in a civil suit involving underage rape allegations alongside fellow rapper Jay-Z—a claim that was later withdrawn earlier this year.

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Due to the high-profile nature of the case, jurors will remain anonymous. From a pool of 150 vetted individuals, 12 jurors will be selected before opening statements scheduled for 12 May. The trial will not be broadcast. On Monday, Combs appeared in court wearing dark sunglasses, a dark jumper, and a white shirt. He smiled and embraced his legal team upon arrival. He has been held without bail since his arrest in September 2024 at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centre, the same facility that previously housed Ghislaine Maxwell and Sam Bankman-Fried.