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Opening arguments are due to begin on Monday in the federal sex trafficking trial of American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is accused of orchestrating years of abuse and operating a criminal sex ring.
The 55-year-old music mogul has denied all charges, including a central racketeering allegation that claims he led a network engaged in coercive, drug-fueled sex parties involving violence and intimidation.
A jury comprising 12 members and six alternates is expected to be finalised on Monday morning. The process had been delayed after Judge Arun Subramanian expressed concern that some juror candidates might reconsider their involvement over the weekend.
During jury selection last week, potential panellists were questioned on their ability to evaluate testimony fairly from a wide range of witnesses, including hip-hop performers, sex workers, and individuals with histories of drug use and distribution.
Although jurors’ identities will remain undisclosed, they will not be isolated from the public, meaning they must personally avoid news reports and social media discussions of the high-profile proceedings.
Once a dominant force in global music, Combs now cuts a more subdued figure in court, his signature jet-black hair turned grey. He has been permitted to appear in civilian attire throughout the trial.
If found guilty, the former rap producer and entertainment titan could face a life sentence.
Prosecutors argue that Combs orchestrated events known as “freak-offs,” described as coercive and criminal. His defence team, however, maintains that these gatherings were consensual and consistent with Combs’s lifestyle as part of the adult “swinger” community.
Central to the prosecution’s case is Combs’s former partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify.
A 2016 hotel surveillance video, which reportedly captures Combs assaulting Ventura, is likely to feature as part of the evidence presented to the jury. While the video’s admissibility had been disputed due to its quality, the judge has ruled that portions of it may be shown during the trial.
Despite its limited legal use, the footage has already circulated widely on social media and news outlets, potentially influencing public opinion.
Several juror candidates acknowledged having seen the video, with one describing it as “damning.” That individual was excused. Another potential juror was dismissed after revealing his wife, a former lawyer, had been involved in depositions related to a 1991 fatal crowd crush at a Combs-organised event, and held strong negative views of the defendant.
Other panellists told the court they had been exposed to pre-trial media but could remain impartial in their judgement.
The trial is expected to last between eight and 10 weeks.
