How Jury Selection for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s Sex-Trafficking Trial Will Work

Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex-trafficking trial is moving forward on May 5, with jury selection starting in earnest. Below, live updates from Manhattan federal court.

Potential jurors face Diddy

Monday, May 5, at noon: Diddy ditched his historically blingy civilian style for a soon-to-retire professor vibe: a navy crewneck sweater with a white button-down shirt underneath and gray slacks. He did not wear a tie. He had been wearing a jail uniform in prior proceedings but can wear normal clothes at his trial. Diddy did let his guard down a bit just before noon. His attorney asked for a bathroom break. The judge pushed back, saying he wanted to question more jurors. “I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today,” Diddy responded and the judge okayed a brief break.

When prospective jurors entered the courtroom just after 10 a.m., Diddy stood to face them as they filed into rows in the courtroom gallery. Diddy looked at them attentively and offered the subtlest of nods. None of the some 60 candidates appeared to have any reaction whatsoever to the famous defendant in front of them. As they sat, some looked bored, others tired, others attentive and at the ready to do their civic duty. Even after the judge told them “This is a criminal case entitled United States if America versus Sean Combs” — and listed off his many nicknames — there didn’t seem to be much reaction, if any.

The first prospect questioned, identified in court as Juror 2, was asked about answers on his questionnaire where he expressed familiarity with a name that could come up at trial: “Michael B. Jordan.” He did not know him personally. “I believe he’s some actor.”

The man also explained why he’d gone through sexual harassment training. “I’m a licensed massage therapist,” he said.

Juror 4 also expressed familiarity with boldface names on the questionnaire. “I know that there’s a lot of celebrities there, but other than that, I don’t know much.” She was excused after indicating she might not be able to sit through traumatic testimony.

Jury selection begins

Monday, May 5, at 9 a.m.: Dozens of prospective jurors will be asked about their questionnaire responses to identify anyone who might not be impartial. The potential panelists who made it to this voir dire stage are a subset of the 600 prospects who filled out questionnaires. While the defense and prosecution have an unlimited amount of “for cause” challenges to dismiss a prospect, Judge Arun Subramanian will ultimately make the final call on if someone should be excused from this high-profile trial. By the end of the week, both sides will be able to exercise what are called “peremptory strikes” to remove a juror without any explanation.

Potential jurors were likely asked on their questionnaires whether they had “read, seen, or heard anything about Mr. Combs or the criminal charges brought against Mr. Combs.” Questioning of jurors will unfold similar to how it did during Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex-trafficking trial.

In the end, a total of 12 jurors need to be selected, as well as six alternates. An alternate juror will step up if a member of the jury has to drop out for some reason.

Related

• A Complete Guide to Diddy’s Sex-Trafficking Trial
• Diddy Rejects Plea Deal in Sex Trafficking Trial