Photo: Brad Barket/Getty; Axelle
Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to face opening arguments in his federal sex trafficking trial as jury selection concludes and the high-profile case officially moves forward.
After a week-long jury selection process, 12 jurors and six alternates are expected to be sworn in on the morning of Monday, May 12, paving the way for opening statements later in the day. The trial, which has drawn intense public and media attention, will not be televised due to the nature of the federal criminal charges.
Originally scheduled to begin earlier Monday morning, proceedings were briefly delayed following concerns raised by a potential juror. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian decided to postpone seating the jury late Friday after receiving an email in which a juror expressed “issues of personal well-being.” The judge cited fears that other jurors might reconsider their participation before the trial began.
The music mogul faces multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty and firmly denies all allegations. He was arrested in September 2024 and has remained in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Complex after three separate bail requests were denied, told The Guardian.
According to reports, the prosecution plans to call several of Combs’ alleged victims to testify, with some expected to use pseudonyms to protect their identities. Among the most closely watched witnesses is his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, who is named in the indictment and is likely to testify under her legal name.
Should Combs be convicted on all charges, he could face a life sentence.
This trial marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of the most influential figures in hip hop. Once celebrated for his success in music, fashion, and business, Combs now faces some of the most serious criminal allegations of his career.
While the proceedings remain closed to cameras, they are expected to unfold publicly through transcripts and media coverage. The court has not announced how long the trial may last, but it is expected to span several weeks given the complexity and seriousness of the charges.
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