Diddy
The upcoming trial of embattled rapper and record executive, Sean “Diddy” Combs is drawing heightened attention as court proceedings are set to begin in a few weeks.
A newly proposed jury questionnaire filed late Friday by Diddy’s legal team suggests that some of the alleged explicit content linked to the case, including his so-called “freak off” tapes, may be shown to jurors.
According to the Associated Press, the questionnaire includes inquiries about potential jurors’ comfort with viewing s3xually explicit material or videos depicting physical assault. Diddy’s defense team also wants to gauge jurors’ attitudes toward individuals with multiple s3xual partners. The document reportedly contains over 70 questions, many with multiple subparts.
Prosecutors have raised concerns over the questionnaire’s length, arguing in a letter to the judge that it may be too complex and confusing for potential jurors.
Diddy is currently facing five federal charges: two counts of s3x trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering. Three of those charges were filed in the original indictment last September, with two additional charges added earlier this month. The 54-year-old music producer has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Federal prosecutors allege that Diddy orchestrated a pattern of illicit conduct over several years, including organizing so-called “freak offs”group s3x encounters involving Diddy, a woman, and a male s3x worker, which were often recorded.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over whether Diddy will expand his legal team as trial preparations intensify. Notably, criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos, who cohosts the “2 Angry Men” podcast, sidestepped questions about whether he might be joining Diddy’s defense during a recent exchange with TMZ’s Harvey Levin.
Opening arguments in the trial are scheduled for May 12.
