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Sean “Diddy” Combs made a strikingly vulnerable moment in court this week, raising his hand to address the judge during jury selection and admitting, “I’m sorry, your honor… I’m a little nervous today.”
The 55-year-old rap mogul is standing trial on a series of explosive charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution—allegations he strongly denies. Held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September, Diddy is now facing the early stages of what promises to be a high-profile legal battle.
Jury selection began amid tight scrutiny, with Diddy choosing to appear in court wearing a dress shirt, sweater, and reading glasses rather than prison attire. This change was allowed by the judge in an effort to minimize jury bias based on his appearance. However, the courtroom atmosphere remained tense, according to the The Mirror US.
When his legal team requested a brief break, the judge asked whether proceedings could continue. That’s when Diddy raised his hand and made his now-viral confession about his nervousness.
Presiding over the trial is Judge Arun Subramanian, who became the first South Asian to serve as District Judge for the Southern District of New York following his Senate confirmation in March 2023. Subramanian has already made pivotal rulings in the case, including denying Diddy’s request for bail despite a defense proposal to limit his contact with women and others. The judge firmly ordered that the rapper remain in custody.
Outside the courtroom, public interest in the case continues to grow. One potential juror drew attention when he arrived dressed in all-black apparel emblazoned with the words “Free Puff.” Meanwhile, Diddy’s courtroom lacked any visible family support despite expectations that his mother Janice Combs and two of his children—Chance and Christian “King” Combs—might attend.
The trial is expected to feature powerful testimony, including from Diddy’s former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Surveillance footage showing the music mogul physically assaulting her has already been approved as admissible evidence. Cassie, who dated Diddy for more than a decade, will take the stand under her legal name.
Opening arguments are scheduled for May 12, and the proceedings are expected to draw widespread media attention given the magnitude of the allegations and Diddy’s once-unshakable influence in the entertainment industry.
