Jury selection is underway in the federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, with several potential jurors admitting they’ve seen viral content related to the case.
In a Manhattan courtroom on the 26th floor, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian questioned 32 possible jurors individually on Monday. The goal is to select a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates who can remain fair, despite widespread media coverage.
Of the group questioned so far, 19 were cleared to serve—including two who said they enjoy 1990s hip-hop. The rest were dismissed. More potential jurors are expected to be interviewed on Tuesday, and the full jury pool should be finalized by the end of the week.
One juror, known as Juror No. 5, said they had seen a news clip of Combs allegedly attacking a woman in a hotel. However, after telling the judge they could be impartial and come in with an open mind, they were approved to remain on the panel.
Another prospective juror was removed after noting that a photo from the same incident—showing a woman on the floor and Combs standing nearby—could be “damning evidence.” That juror was excused.
The video in question, aired by CNN last year, reportedly shows a 2016 incident where Combs assaulted his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Combs has since apologized publicly.
To protect the panel from outside pressure, the judge has ordered that jurors' identities remain confidential—a common move in high-profile cases.
Federal prosecutors argue that the surveillance video supports broader claims that Combs used force, threats, and drugs to pressure women into days-long, sexually charged parties he called “Freak Offs.” They allege that staff from his businesses arranged hotel rooms, purchased drugs and sex-related items, and helped cover up activities over a span of 20 years.
Authorities reportedly discovered illegal substances and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant in Combs’ homes during raids.
In another case of media influence, one potential juror said they had “liked” a comedian’s social media video joking about Combs and baby oil. The juror explained that they found it funny, but insisted they could still be unbiased. The judge allowed them to stay.
Combs’ legal team argues the hotel video merely shows a personal argument and is not proof of any trafficking. They also say that all sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
If convicted on all charges, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years in prison, and possibly life behind bars.
Opening statements in the trial are set for May 12.
