On the third day of jury selection in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial, the court progressed toward finalizing a pool of 45 qualified jurors. Judge Arun Subramanian conducted individual and group questioning, focusing on potential biases and jurors' ability to remain impartial despite extensive media coverage. Notably, several prospective jurors acknowledged familiarity with a 2016 surveillance video allegedly showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. While some jurors claimed they could remain unbiased, others were dismissed due to concerns about their impartiality. The court aims to seat 12 jurors and six alternates, with opening statements scheduled for May 12 .


The day's proceedings also included unexpected moments. One potential juror revealed he worked at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Combs is currently held, leading to his dismissal. Another juror admitted to reposting a meme about Combs on social media, explaining he was "doomscrolling" at the time. Despite these revelations, the court completed the initial qualification phase, setting the stage for peremptory challenges to be exercised on Friday. Combs, who has been in custody since September 2024, faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and could face life in prison if convicted .

On the fourth day of jury selection for Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, the process focused on narrowing down the remaining pool of 45 prospective jurors. Judge Arun Subramanian, along with prosecutors and defense attorneys, conducted in-depth interviews to assess potential biases, particularly concerning jurors' exposure to a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Several candidates were dismissed due to their familiarity with the footage or personal experiences with sexual assault, which could affect their impartiality. The defense and prosecution utilized their peremptory strikes—ten for the defense and six for the prosecution—to finalize a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates. The selection process concluded on Friday, May 9, setting the stage for opening statements scheduled for Monday, May 12

Throughout the selection process, the court encountered a mix of serious and unexpected moments. Some prospective jurors shared personal traumas, including experiences with sexual assault, leading to their dismissal. Conversely, lighter moments emerged, such as a juror admitting to stealing a Harry Potter wand during their youth and another confessing to falling asleep while binge-watching a television series. Judge Subramanian even joked about the extensive list of names involved in the case, comparing it to a Tolkien novel. These instances highlighted the challenges of assembling an impartial jury for a high-profile case involving a celebrity defendant.



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Diddy trial delayed as judge makes shock ruling on witnesses | Daily Mail Online
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