Federal prosecutors have initiated a high-profile case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging that he transformed his hip-hop empire into a racketeering operation that compelled women to fulfill his sexual demands over a span of two decades. The trial’s jury selection concluded on Monday, with opening statements set to follow, and testimonies anticipated to commence later that afternoon.
Combs arrived at the courtroom dressed in a white sweater, greeting supporters and family members, including his mother and children, who were ushered past the assembled crowd. The selection process involved both sides dismissing jurors to form a final panel of twelve, resulting in a defence claim of racial bias regarding the dismissal of Black jurors, which was dismissed by the judge.
Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey revealed that trial evidence would include a text message that implicates Combs’ behaviour as “bipolar or manic”. Combs, aged 55, has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment that, if convictions are secured on all charges, could lead to a minimum of 15 years in prison. He has been detained in a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest in September.
The courtroom was filled with journalists, friends, and family, as prosecutors presented allegations that Combs coerced women into drug-fuelled sexual encounters and maintained control through violence, including choking and dragging victims. One of the initial witnesses expected to testify is former girlfriend R&B singer Cassie, who filed a lawsuit claiming years of abuse, which was quickly settled, triggering law enforcement investigations and similar lawsuits.
Prosecutors aim to present security footage depicting an incident where Combs allegedly assaulted Cassie in a hotel. They also plan to showcase documentation of “Freak Offs,” events where women are purportedly seen engaging in sexual acts with male workers while Combs filmed, with claims that these occasions spanned days, requiring medical interventions for recovery.
Combs’ defence attorney, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledged his client, the founder of Bad Boy Records, as “not a perfect person”, noting that Combs was undergoing therapy for his drug issues prior to the arrest. However, the defence maintains that any sexual encounters were consensual and that instances of violence were isolated events.
In a past statement, Combs expressed remorse for his actions, declaring, “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.” The trial, which is drawing significant public attention, is expected to last a minimum of eight weeks.