Diddy trial: Combs' says he's 'a little nervous' as jury selection begins

NEW YORK - The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, whose wildly successful career has been dotted by allegations of violence, began on Monday in New York City with jury selection that was briefly paused when the hip-hop entrepreneur said he was "a little nervous" and needed a bathroom break.

JUMP TO: LIVE UPDATES l KEY EVIDENCE l CHARGES l INDICTMENT l ACCUSATIONS l DIDDY HISTORY

Prosecutors allege Combs physically and sexually abused individuals for over a decade as the acting leader of a sordid empire. 

Prosecutors also allege Combs used force and coercion to get victims to engage in what he called "Freak Offs," which were often recorded and could last days.

Diddy trial date: What's happening today?

Jury selection began this morning and could possibly take several days. Opening statements by the lawyers and the start of testimony are expected next week.

Three dozen potential jurors were questioned by Judge Arun Subramanian about their answers on a questionnaire meant to help determine if they could be fair and impartial at a trial that will feature violent and sexually explicit videos. Opening statements and the start of testimony are scheduled for next week.

The judge gave the would-be jurors a brief description of the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges against Combs, telling them he'd pleaded not guilty and was presumed innocent.

By the end of the day, the jury pool was half its size as some were excluded for personal reasons such as inability to endure a trial projected to last two months or because their opinions or past experiences would make it difficult for them to remain objective.

A similar number of jurors was expected to be questioned on Tuesday. A jury was not expected to be chosen before Wednesday.

Throughout Monday, Combs, 55, sat with his lawyers in a sweater over a white collared shirt and gray slacks, which the judge had allowed rather than jail clothing. He's been held in a grim federal lockup in Brooklyn since his arrest last September. His hair and goatee were almost fully gray because dye isn’t allowed in jail.

Unlike other recent high-profile celebrity trials, Combs’ court case won’t be broadcast live because federal courtrooms don’t allow electronic recordings inside — meaning courtroom sketch artists serve as the public’s eyes in the courtroom.

If convicted of all charges, he could face up to life in prison.

Diddy trial live updates from the courtroom

FOX 5 NY is live inside and outside the courtroom with the very latest and will live stream coverage on YouTube and in the live player above.

• More than a half a dozen jurors were disqualified by the end of the session on Monday for reasons as varied as being a sex assault survivor or having someone close to them who was a sex assault survivor, anyone related to law enforcement, and people who have had encounters with the criminal justice system, among others. Several jurors were also disqualified for a lack of proficiency in English. Jurors were also asked if they would be disturbed talking about sexual acts with other jurors as they deliberate on a verdict. (FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers at 5:11 p.m.)
• Jurors are reviewing a list of notable individuals. The list, so far, includes Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Michelle Williams, Kid Cudi, Dallas Austin, Laurieann Gibson, Lauren London, Aubrey O'Day, Don Richard and Cassie Ventura. It is unclear if any - or all - will testify. The judge has been engaging with prospective jurors, who are answering a questionnaire that includes a question about biases against hip-hop artists. So far, 15 prospective jurors have been brought in, with three excused. (FOX 5 NY's Brendan Williams at 2:15 p.m.)
• The judge spent a good 25 minutes addressing the jury about general issues and outlining specific concerns that they would have to identify if they were to be selected to sit on the jury, who are identified by numbers only. Juror #2 identified himself as being a licensed massage therapist. He said his sister was in a domestic abuse situation with her ex-husband and that he first heard about the Diddy case on WNYC radio. (Lisa Evers, 11:13 a.m.)
• Subramanian said the court will go Monday through Friday, except the Friday before Memorial Day, Memorial Day itself, Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. (Lisa Evers 11:15 a.m.)
• The judge told prospective jurors that the trial is expected to run about eight weeks, but could go longer than that if necessary. (Lisa Evers 11:15 a.m.)
• Diddy's attorney, Mark Agnifilo, arrived alone and was the only known arrival at the time. (FOX 5 NY photog Roy Pokorny 10:35 a.m.)
• Judge Arun Subramanian started the proceedings shortly after 9 a.m. by making several rulings on what things experts would be allowed to testify about when they take the witness stand. (Associated Press 9:45 a.m.)

Check back here for live updates throughout the day.

Is the Diddy trial going to be televised?

Unlike other recent high-profile celebrity trials, Combs’ court case won’t be broadcast live because federal courtrooms don’t allow electronic recordings inside — meaning courtroom sketch artists serve as the public’s eyes in the courtroom.

Key evidence

A central piece of evidence is a surveillance video from March 2016 that shows Combs striking and kicking his then-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Prosecutors say the assault occurred during one of the so-called events.

November 16, 2023

Cassie says in a lawsuit that Combs subjected her to years of abuse, including beatings and rape. Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, signed to Combs' label in 2005, and the two were on-again-off-again romantic partners for more than a decade, starting in 2007. 

The lawsuit filed in federal court says Combs was "prone to uncontrollable rage" and subjected her to "savage" beatings. It says he plied her with drugs, forced her to have sex with other men, and raped her in her home as she was trying to end the relationship in 2018. Combs, through his attorney, "vehemently denies" the accusations.

Who is Diddy?

Sean "Diddy" Combs rose to fame in the 1990s as the founder of Bad Boy Records, helping launch the careers of artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Justin Bieber, Usher and so many more. Beyond music, he built a global brand spanning fashion, beverages, and television. Throughout his career, he has gone by names like Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy.

He remains one of New York’s most iconic entertainment figures — a fact that could complicate jury selection for this high-profile case. Federal prosecutors have charged Combs with a series of crimes including:

Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy

Count One charges that, from at least in or about 2004 through in or about 2024, the defendant participated in a racketeering conspiracy during which he agreed with other employees and associates of his businesses to commit kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution.

Count 2: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion

Count Two charges the defendant with sex trafficking an adult female victim through force, fraud, and coercion between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. 

• MORE: Diddy reportedly accused by three more men of sexual assault in NYC
• MORE: Diddy charges explained: Racketeering and sex trafficking allegations

Count 3: Transportation to Engage in Prostitution

Count Three charges the defendant with transporting that female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. 

• Count 4: Count Four charges the defendant with sex-trafficking a second adult female victim through force, fraud, and coercion between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024.
• Count Five charges the defendant with transporting that second female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024.
• Additional charge: Mann Act charge filed April 3 and an allegation that he forced a woman into sex trafficking between 2021 and 2023. The Mann Act is a federal law that makes it a crime to transport someone across state lines for illegal sexual activity.

At the center of the allegations are what investigators call "Freak Off" parties, where victims were allegedly drugged, coerced and exploited.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

• MORE: Diddy reportedly accused by three more men of sexual assault in NYC
• MORE: Diddy charges explained: Racketeering and sex trafficking allegations

What is in the indictment?

In a blistering three-count indictment, Diddy is accused of running an enterprise to fulfill his sexual desires. 

From around 2009 and for years, he allegedly assaulted women by striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects, and kicking them. 

• MORE Diddy charges explained: What the indictment alleges

The indictment claims he operated under "The Combs Enterprise," which includes Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global, involving individuals and activities affecting interstate and foreign commerce.

It also details Diddy's "Freak Off parties," where he and his associates allegedly lured female victims and then coerced them into sex acts with commercial sex workers. 

Diddy held behind bars in Brooklyn

Since his arrest, Combs has been held at a federal detention center in Brooklyn — the borough where he was born and raised.

Sources tell FOX 5 NY that security around his holding location has been heightened due to his celebrity status.

What is Diddy accused of?

Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing serious charges that include sexual assault, sex trafficking, drugging, coercion, and racketeering. These allegations span across multiple civil and criminal lawsuits, with some plaintiffs claiming that Diddy used his wealth and power to exploit and abuse vulnerable individuals. 

• MORE: Diddy indictment: Baby oil, 'Freak Off' parties explained
• MORE: Diddy reportedly accused by three more men of sexual assault in NYC: Details
• MORE: New Diddy allegations involve 9-year-old boy, pregnant woman
• MORE: New Diddy allegations involve 10-year-old boy at NYC hotel, teen from 'Making the Band'

The charges stem from various accusations, including participation in "Freak Off" parties, where victims were allegedly drugged and coerced into sex acts. Combs has been accused of multiple counts of abuse, trafficking, and obstruction of justice.

Diddy indictment

The federal indictment against Diddy includes eight counts. The charges are extensive and include racketeering and sex trafficking, as well as more specific allegations of drugging victims and keeping an enormous supply of baby oil, orchestrating the "Freak Off" parties, and money laundering. The indictment paints a disturbing picture of a powerful figure using his influence to exploit and abuse vulnerable individuals, including minors.

How many years does he face?

In the context of Diddy’s legal troubles, the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge plays a crucial role in the prosecution’s case. According to the FBI, RICO laws allow authorities to target organizations or individuals engaged in patterns of criminal behavior over time, including activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, extortion, and fraud. 

In Diddy’s case, federal prosecutors have included RICO charges as part of the broader criminal indictment, alleging that he orchestrated a "freak off" sex trafficking operation, which involved drugging and coercing victims into sex acts. These allegations suggest a coordinated, long-term pattern of criminal behavior, which is a key component of what RICO is designed to address. The RICO charge helps prosecutors target not only Diddy but also any associates or business entities that may have been involved in a broader criminal enterprise.

As part of the case, Diddy faces allegations of racketeering, which could lead to significant penalties if convicted, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, highlighting the severity of the charges.

‘Freak Offs’

The "Freak Offs" are described by federal prosecutors as private parties organized by Diddy, where participants were allegedly drugged and coerced into performing sex acts. These gatherings, at times, reportedly involved minors. Diddy is accused of trafficking victims and providing drugs to facilitate the abuse. Authorities are investigating further claims that these "Freak Off" parties were part of a larger pattern of sex trafficking.

History of Diddy

Diddy, originally known as Puff Daddy, became famous in the 1990s when he founded Bad Boy Records. He launched the careers of iconic hip-hop artists like The Notorious B.I.G., and the label became one of the most successful in the music industry. Diddy expanded his influence into fashion with Sean John, and into television with the reality show "Making the Band." His business savvy and larger-than-life persona made him a dominant figure in pop culture.

1999 NYC nightclub shooting

In 1999, Diddy was involved in a shooting at a nightclub in New York City, which led to charges of bribery and weapon possession. The shooting occurred while Diddy was dating Jennifer Lopez. He was acquitted of all charges. Although this event does not relate directly to the current trial, it is part of Diddy's controversial history.

Who are Diddy’s family members?

Diddy has six biological children with various women, including Kim Porter and Sarah Chapman. He is also the father of Quincy Brown, Porter’s son from a prior relationship. His family has been central to his public image, with his children and his late ex-partner Kim Porter making regular appearances in the media. Porter’s tragic death in 2018 deeply affected Diddy, and he has publicly spoken about the impact it had on his life.

• MORE: Diddy family tree: The rapper’s kids, their moms, and Kim Porter explained
• MORE: Who was Kim Porter? Diddy's ex partner, mother of 3, since passed

When was Diddy arrested and what happened?

Diddy was arrested in October 2024 at a New York City hotel on charges related to sex trafficking and drugging victims. A newly released video shows the moment of his arrest, which included his handcuffing and questioning. Authorities continue to investigate his connections to "Freak Off" parties and potential human trafficking.

• MORE: Video shows Diddy arrested at NYC hotel

Diddy TrialNew York CityEntertainment