The spotlight was once again on Sean “Diddy” Combs Monday morning—but not for a performance or red carpet appearance.
Instead, he quietly walked into a Manhattan federal courthouse as the long-anticipated sex trafficking trial officially got underway.
Diddy, 55, appeared composed as he faced the jury selection process in a case that could lead to life behind bars.
Calm but clearly under pressure, the music mogul greeted the room with subtle nods, hands casually in his pockets, and not a single hint of the prison-issued clothing he’s been wearing in detention.
Trading the Prison Jumpsuit for a Sweater and Silence
With the judge’s permission, Diddy wore civilian clothes—a navy crewneck layered over a crisp white shirt and gray slacks.
His black-rimmed glasses sat firmly on his face, and the wild white hair he’d grown out behind bars was now neatly trimmed.
One detail gave away his current situation: no shoelaces, by order of the court.
His beard remained white and full, a sign of the time he’s spent locked up.
“I’m a Little Nervous Today,” Diddy Admits
Despite his calm exterior, the strain eventually showed. When his lawyers requested a short break mid-selection, the judge asked if they could continue.
That’s when Diddy finally spoke up. “I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today,” he confessed softly.
The moment was a rare crack in the carefully composed demeanor of the man once known for dominating the music industry with confidence and swagger.
A Packed Courthouse as Jury Selection Begins
Outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, crowds gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of the high-profile proceedings.
After months of legal back-and-forth—including Diddy’s failed bid to delay the trial—it was finally showtime.
Inside, the process of picking the jury was already proving complicated.
Over 150 potential jurors had completed questionnaires designed to weed out bias.
More than 50 were brought in Monday morning, but few seemed to react when told the defendant was Diddy.
Even when the judge listed his many known aliases, read out the charges, and warned them about the graphic evidence—including rape, sex work, and sexual assault—no one appeared visibly shaken.
Celebrities Get Name-Dropped in Jury Questions
In a strange twist, some famous names started popping up during jury questioning.
Mike Myers and Michael B. Jordan were among the first mentioned—likely connected to Diddy via social or professional circles.
Kanye West’s name also came up, and though one juror admitted recognizing him, he insisted it wouldn’t affect his objectivity.
Judge Arun Subramanian joked that the list of possible names was so long it felt like “an appendix from Lord of the Rings.”
Some Jurors Excused, Others Stay Despite Past Trauma
One young woman in her 20s was excused after saying she wouldn’t feel comfortable hearing testimony about sexual assault.
Another woman, who mentioned the 2016 surveillance footage of Diddy allegedly dragging his ex, Cassie Ventura, was also dismissed—despite objections from prosecutors who insisted they wouldn’t use that clip in court.
Surprisingly, a woman in her 60s who revealed she had been sexually abused by a dentist as a teen was kept in the jury pool.
She said she could still be impartial, noting, “Gross inappropriate behavior happens all day long all over the world.”
Another potential juror—a young woman—admitted to liking a joke online about baby oil found during the raids on Diddy’s home. She said, “It was funny,” and she was still considered for selection.
Jury Pool Narrows as Voir Dire Moves Forward
By noon, four jurors were still in the running, while three had been excused.
The goal is to narrow the list down to 45 eligible jurors before lawyers on both sides use their peremptory strikes to dismiss without needing a reason.
Given the high-profile nature of the case, the jury will remain anonymous, a standard procedure in trials involving significant media attention and possible threats.
Diddy’s Defense Will Lean on Mental State Argument
As opening statements are scheduled for May 12, Diddy’s legal team is already signaling their defense strategy: diminished capacity.
His lawyers argue that his state of mind at the time of the alleged crimes was compromised due to drug use, including prescription medication.
A psychiatrist, Dr. Ellie Ahoun, is expected to testify about how drug combinations might impact behavior, memory, and judgment.
However, she will not be allowed to speak directly about Diddy’s own experience since she hasn’t examined him.
Prosecutors Push Back on Drug Defense and Juror Influence
Prosecutors are pushing to limit how much Diddy’s team can say about the alleged drug effects unless proper notice is provided.
They’ve labeled the defense’s strategy as an attempt to suggest “the defendant’s inability to control behavior” rather than provide a medically grounded explanation.
Meanwhile, Diddy’s attorneys continue to raise concerns over media coverage they say is biasing the jury pool.
They specifically called out attorney Douglas Wigdor, who represents Cassie, for publicly discussing the controversial surveillance footage from the hotel hallway in 2016.
Prosecution Plans to Withhold Cassie Assault Video
In a surprising turn, Prosecutor Maureen Comey told the court that the infamous video showing Diddy allegedly attacking Cassie will not be introduced in the trial—marking what could be a major win for the defense.
Still, damning claims are expected to emerge. One alleged victim told Rolling Stone she woke up surrounded by empty bottles of baby oil, towels, and wine after being given pills that caused her to blackout.
Trial Expected to Reveal Shocking Testimonies and Past Baggage
Alongside physical evidence like text messages and diaries from former staff, prosecutors will rely on four main accusers—though they admit the witnesses come with “baggage.”
Some have prior DUIs, tax issues, or histories involving illegal sex acts.
Prosecutors are asking the court to bar Diddy’s team from raising these points, saying they’re irrelevant.
And in another dramatic detail, a “minor victim” is mentioned in court documents, suggesting either direct testimony or reference to some of the most serious allegations yet.
Prosecutors also want three of the four main witnesses to testify anonymously—a request Diddy’s team is actively fighting.