Diddy Enters Court docket In Glasses With Eight Attorneys As Federal Trial Kicks Off
Sean “Diddy” Combs arrived in a Manhattan courtroom Monday (Might 5) in a tailor-made swimsuit and studying glasses as jury choice kicked off in his high-stakes federal intercourse trafficking trial, the place he faces the opportunity of life in jail.
Twelve jurors and 6 alternates are being screened to find out whether or not they can stay neutral regardless of widespread media consideration surrounding the case.
Potential jurors had been first given questionnaires to evaluate their information of the allegations and returned right now for in-person questioning.
The Hip-Hop mogul has pleaded not responsible to 5 federal costs, together with racketeering conspiracy and intercourse trafficking.
Prosecutors allege Diddy used his music empire to facilitate a sample of abuse, whereas his authorized staff maintains the relationships had been consensual.
On the heart of the fees is a surveillance video exhibiting Combs brutally attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, inside a California resort.
Prosecutors say the footage captures him grabbing, kicking, and making an attempt to tug her again right into a room in opposition to her will—habits that helps allegations of tried kidnapping and coercive management.
The indictment additional outlines an arson rely in opposition to Diddy, over threats in opposition to rapper Child Cudi, who was relationship Cassie. Diddy allegedly instructed an affiliate he wished to explode Cudi’s automobile—and shortly after, the automobile exploded in entrance of Cudi’s residence.
Although Cudi has confirmed the incident occurred, the legal case now frames it as an alleged act of retaliation tied to the enterprise’s sample of intimidation.
Federal authorities additionally cite a separate incident the place Diddy is accused of dangling her over a balcony and one other incident the place he supposedly burglarized a Los Angeles residence, armed with a gun.
U.S. Legal professional Damian Williams confirmed that the federal government has collected hours of surveillance footage, detailed flight knowledge, monetary data, and statements from over 50 witnesses to assist the fees.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his corporations—together with Love Data and Combs International—as shells to launder cash, prepare intercourse trafficking throughout state traces, and fund violent events the place medication had been freely distributed.
A number of of his shut associates have been recognized as co-conspirators, together with aides tasked with recruiting ladies, transporting narcotics, and implementing silence by way of power or payoffs.
Diddy’s protection has argued that the sexual encounters described by prosecutors had been a part of a consensual “swingers” way of life involving Combs and his long-term companions.
They’ve additionally pushed again in opposition to the legal framing of these relationships.
Diddy, 55, turned down a plea deal forward of trial, opting to combat the fees in courtroom. If convicted on all counts, he may spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
Opening arguments are scheduled to start on Might 12. Court docket will run from 9:30 a.m. to five p.m. in the course of the first week, then shift to 9 a.m. to three p.m. thereafter.—
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