Sean "Diddy" Combs admitted to feeling nervous as jury selection began in his high-profile federal sex trafficking trial in Manhattan, with potential jurors questioned about disturbing allegations, high-profile names, and viral video evidence.
Combs, 54, was arrested in September 2024 and charged in a five-count federal indictment that includes sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution, according to multiple reports.
The case gained momentum after a 2023 civil lawsuit by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which was settled privately but sparked further scrutiny and additional criminal charges.
On Monday, the first day of jury selection, nearly three dozen potential jurors were vetted for biases related to the case, with some excused after acknowledging they'd seen a 2016 video showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura, according to NBC News.
Dressed in a white shirt and charcoal pants, Combs was allowed to wear his own clothes and interacted closely with his legal team, including defense attorney Marc Agnifilo and unofficial advisor Mark Geragos. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that expert testimony regarding Combs' drug use and possible intoxication-induced blackouts will be permitted during the trial.
During jury selection, Combs appeared visibly tense and even apologized to the judge, admitting to a case of nerves. When the defense requested a bathroom break, Subramanian told them to wait, saying "I'm a machine."
Combs responded, saying, "I'm sorry, your honor, I'm a little nervous today." He was granted the break, NBC reported.
With jury selection expected to conclude within three days, opening arguments could begin as early as next week. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks, during which prosecutors will argue that Combs systematically exploited women over two decades.
