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