- Jury selection is underway for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
- Potential jurors were questioned about their opinions on Kanye West.
- A juror, a scientist in his 40s, recognized West from a list of individuals related to the case.
During jury selection for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ upcoming federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, potential jurors were asked about their opinions on rapper Kanye West.
West’s name came up when a potential juror, a scientist in his 40s, noted that he recognized West among a list of individuals who might be referenced during the proceedings. Despite acknowledging familiarity, the juror stated it would not influence his impartiality.
Several celebrities were included in the questionnaire presented at Manhattan federal court as jury selection got underway. West has publicly shown support for Combs in recent months, even claiming the pair had collaborated on a fashion project earlier this year.
Others named in the list shown to jurors included comedian Mike Myers and actor Michael B. Jordan, although their specific ties to the case remain unclear. A female juror also identified names such as Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, actress Lauren London — known for her relationship with the late rapper Nipsey Hussle — and rapper Kid Cudi.
Presiding Judge Arun Subramanian commented on the extensive list of people and locations associated with the case, likening it to an “appendix from Lord of the Rings.” To streamline the process, he ruled that jurors would review the list in advance and be questioned individually before final selections are made. The court aims to seat 12 jurors and six alternates.
The scope of the charges against Combs spans multiple states and dates back to 2004. Judge Subramanian briefed the potential jurors on the nature of the allegations, emphasizing that Combs has pleaded not guilty and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Combs, 55, attended court dressed in a sweater, white collared shirt, and gray slacks—clothing allowed by the judge in lieu of a jail uniform. He has been detained in a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. Without access to hair dye in jail, his hair and goatee now appear nearly all gray.
Unlike some recent celebrity trials, proceedings in federal court will not be televised or recorded, as electronic devices are prohibited. Public updates will rely on courtroom sketch artists.
The trial is expected to run for at least eight weeks. If found guilty, Combs could face a lengthy prison sentence.