Diddy Trial Begins: Jury Selection Opens Federal Sex Trafficking Case in Manhattan
Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in Manhattan federal court on May 5, 2025, as his high-profile federal trial officially got underway. The proceedings opened with jury selection, marking the start of a legal battle that could lead to a life sentence if diddy is found guilty on all counts.
The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur faces several federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. Prosecutors allege that diddy led a criminal operation that used drugs, coercion, and intimidation to manipulate and exploit women over a span of years. These charges have placed diddy at the center of a national conversation about abuse of power within the entertainment industry.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024. The court is preparing for an eight-week trial that is expected to draw significant media attention and public scrutiny.
Jury selection is proving to be a complex task due to diddy’s celebrity status. Many potential jurors have been exposed to widespread media coverage of the case, including viral videos and online speculation involving diddy and past relationships. Some acknowledged seeing footage allegedly showing diddy assaulting singer Cassie Ventura, a former girlfriend. Others mentioned being aware of controversial items discovered during investigations linked to diddy’s properties.
Judge Arun Subramanian, along with attorneys from both sides, is meticulously evaluating jurors for fairness and impartiality. The presence of public opinion and online narratives about diddy has made finding unbiased jurors especially difficult.
Opening statements are expected on May 12, and the trial will then begin in earnest. Legal experts anticipate that prosecutors will present extensive evidence, including electronic communications, surveillance footage, and witness testimony, to build their case against diddy.
If convicted, diddy could face a prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life. The implications of this trial extend far beyond diddy himself, raising serious questions about how fame and influence may have shielded inappropriate or illegal behavior for decades.
For fans and observers alike, this marks a dramatic turning point in diddy’s legacy. Once celebrated for his role in shaping hip-hop and business ventures, diddy now stands trial in what may become one of the most significant legal proceedings involving a music industry figure.
