Diddy’s Federal Sex Trafficking Trial Begins with Jury Selection: What We Know So Far

New York City — May 5, 2025 — The jury selection for the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has officially begun. The 55-year-old music mogul, once celebrated as a pioneering force in hip-hop and business, now faces the possibility of life in prison.

Overview of the Charges Against Sean Combs

Sean Combs, Grammy-winning artist, producer, and founder of Bad Boy Records, is facing a series of serious federal charges. Prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have accused him of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

According to the indictment, Combs used his celebrity status and industry influence to run a criminal operation hidden in plain sight. Federal authorities claim he exploited young women and men, luring them with promises of career opportunities and then coercing them into sex acts — often transporting them across state lines.

The racketeering charge points to a wider operation. Prosecutors say Combs didn’t act alone, but relied on a network of employees and associates who helped facilitate and cover up the abuse. They describe the operation as structured and deliberate — similar in nature to organized crime.

The money laundering allegations stem from what investigators say were attempts to hide profits from illegal activity. Authorities believe Combs moved money through businesses and offshore accounts to make it appear legitimate.

Obstruction of justice is the final and perhaps most damning charge. The government accuses Combs of trying to silence accusers, tamper with evidence, and derail the investigation — including efforts to destroy digital records and intimidate witnesses.

Combs has denied all wrongdoing, calling the charges “meritless” and “vindictive.” But the weight of the case and the government's willingness to pursue it at this level has sent shockwaves through the music industry, and shaken many who once stood firmly in his corner.

High-Stakes Jury Selection Begins

Combs appeared in court wearing a charcoal suit, flanked by his legal team. He remained expressionless as dozens of potential jurors were questioned — many already aware of the case’s media attention.

Presiding Judge Valerie Caproni set the tone early.

“This is not a trial by gossip, nor one by headlines,” she said. “It is a trial by evidence.”

She stressed the importance of impartiality, acknowledging how difficult it would be to find jurors who haven’t formed opinions in such a high-profile case.

Prosecutors expect to present testimony from over a dozen witnesses — including at least three women who allege they were trafficked and assaulted by Combs and his associates between 2012 and 2019.

One of the most closely watched potential witnesses is singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former longtime partner. Her explosive civil lawsuit, settled late last year, helped spark the federal investigation.

Why Jury Selection Is So Complex

Finding an impartial jury in a trial of this magnitude has proven challenging. Attorneys on both sides are dealing with the outsized influence of celebrity culture, nonstop media coverage, and strong public opinions.

During Monday’s voir dire, several potential jurors admitted to following the case online. Some expressed firm beliefs about Combs’ guilt or innocence, prompting challenges for cause and extended screening.

“You want people who understand the seriousness of the charges without being overwhelmed by the persona of the defendant,” said former federal prosecutor Elie Honig. “That’s a fine line when you're dealing with someone of Diddy’s stature.”

Prosecutorial Strategy and Defense Posture

Federal prosecutors portray Combs as the architect of a secretive, tightly controlled sex trafficking operation. According to court documents, he allegedly used private jets to move women across state lines, hosted “sex parties” under coercive conditions, and paid off accusers to stay silent. He also faces claims of digital evidence tampering and intimidation.

The defense, meanwhile, argues the charges are baseless and politically motivated. Combs’ attorney, Benjamin Brafman, called the case “a public assassination of character,” claiming his client is the target of “salacious, unfounded accusations.”

A Trial That Reflects a Larger Cultural Reckoning

Over the past several years, high-profile cases like those involving Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly have redefined how the public and the courts view sexual abuse, particularly when it's tied to fame and influence.

For many survivors, this trial represents another step toward long-overdue recognition and justice. Advocates argue that the entertainment industry, long protected by silence and privilege, is finally being forced to confront its darker undercurrents.

“Every time a survivor speaks out and is taken seriously in a courtroom, it chips away at a culture that once dismissed or buried these stories,” said Tanya Harris, director of the Women’s Justice Initiative.

Changes to federal trafficking laws have made it easier to prosecute cases that involve manipulation, psychological coercion, or abuse of power— not just physical force. That shift matters in cases like this, where influence and access often replaced overt threats.

Someone like Combs, a man with decades of fame, money, and reach, standing trial feels like a cultural shift in itself. A few years ago, many of these allegations might never have seen the inside of a courtroom. Now, the message seems clear: status no longer shields you from accountability.

“This moment is bigger than one man,” said Tanya Harris, executive director of the Women's Justice Initiative. “It’s about whether our legal system can hold the powerful accountable.”

What’s Ahead

Jury selection is expected to continue over the next two weeks, with opening statements likely before the end of May. The trial could stretch into the summer, depending on the number of witnesses and legal motions. If convicted, Combs faces a potential life sentence.

Outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan, demonstrators gathered with competing messages — some holding “Justice for Survivors” signs, others wearing vintage Bad Boy Records shirts in support of the artist.

For now, the focus remains inside the courtroom — where the legal battle is only beginning.