With Diddy’s formal trial beginning in a matter of days, here’s everything and more so far as jury selection begins to wind down as the week comes to an end.
WHAT TO KNOW
Combs, 55, is accused of sex trafficking, obstructing justice, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and bribery in an operation that allegedly went on for 20 years in what prosecutors argue was in a criminal enterprise and not a celebrity entourage as implied by Diddy. He is accused of running the operation from 2004 till about 2024. At least two of the charges were brought just last month against him.
Prosecutors also alleged he abused drugged and trafficked women to be part of what they’re calling elaborately planned ‘freak offs’ (lingo for sex party.) They say he had help from associates and other who helped him cover up and allegedly silence those he is accused of abusing.
Witnesses List
The witness list reads like the plot in a crime novel. According to reports, the upcoming trial will feature everybody from a male sex worker, former business associates, and former sex partners to name just a few. Their identities remain unknown.
At least four of the witnessed expected to testify are among the reported nearly 60 civil cases against the disgraced music mogul.
It is important to remember that it is unlawful to take photos or record videos in a federal courtroom. Therefore the coverage of Diddy’s trial relies on media reports, those who attended in person, first person accounts, and publicly available case information.
Start Date
With jury selection expected to last the remainder of the week, the trial is formally expected to begin on 12 May in New York City. Expect opening statements to be delivered promptly that morning.
Legal Expenses
Diddy has hired the whose who of criminal defense. Pinkvilla has a rundown of whose running defense on the case and the expected $10m price tag Diddy is expected to foot.
What to expect
According to the case, prosecutors will be allowed to show the infamous video of Diddy violently attacking Cassie in 2016. A while back many may recall that a security footage video from a hotel hallway in Los Angeles that year showed Diddy in 4k abusing attacking and dragging Cassie throughout the hallway, it will be front and center during his trial. Cassie herself who has agreed to testify as herself rather than a Jane Doe is expected to be a star witness as the case gets underway.