Diddy is preventing for his freedom in a New York trial following his arrest in September 2024. After being hit with fees that embody intercourse trafficking and racketeering, he’s pleaded not responsible and doubled down by rejecting a plea deal. Jury choice is in full swing forward of the trial, however the course of has been something however easy for the courtroom. Right here’s what to know.
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Jury Choice Begins In Diddy’s Trial
On Monday, Could 5, jury choice kicked off in Manhattan’s federal courthouse with almost 100 potential jurors. As a result of Diddy’s excessive profile, the method has confronted some challenges. 4 days later, on Thursday, Could 7, potential jurors have been nonetheless being interviewed.
Per USA Immediately, widespread questions that arose in the course of the newest courtroom session had jurors quizzed about sexual assault. Jurors have been requested about whether or not they have been victims of non-consensual sexual acts, in addition to doable family or associates who’d handled sexual assault, harassment, or home violence. This was seemingly an effort to slim down the record, which was lowered from almost 100 folks to simply 45.
Many admitted to being conversant in a 2016 lodge surveillance video allegedly exhibiting Combs assaulting Cassie, per CNN. Some jurors referenced media protection, together with a documentary, ‘The Fall of Diddy,’ elevating issues about bias. In response to USA Immediately, one girl was an worker at HBO. She was dismissed from choice when Diddy’s attorneys requested, for a second time, that she not be included due to her ties to the corporate.
The courtroom additionally questioned jurors’ views on hip-hop tradition and legislation enforcement, aiming for equal remedy. By day’s finish, the courtroom dismissed half the pool. Jury choice is anticipated to conclude on Friday, Could 8, per the Related Press. Choose Arun Subramanian oversees the proceedings, with opening statements set for Monday, Could 12.
Diddy’s Costs + His Not Responsible Plea
Diddy faces 5 federal counts. The daddy of 4 has been hit with a number of fees. These embody racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking on two counts, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors declare Diddy compelled ladies into sexual encounters, which frequently concerned male escorts in tow, at events he known as “Freak Offs.” There, he would reportedly use medication and intimidation to dominate victims. Different accusations contain witness intimidation, in addition to violent acts like kidnapping and setting fires.
A conviction might imply life behind bars for Diddy. But, he’s stood agency, coming into not responsible pleas to each cost following his arrest in September 2024. Simply earlier than the trial, it was revealed that the Dangerous Boy Information founder had turned down a plea supply, suggesting that he trusts his protection technique.
On Thursday, Could 1, when Choose Arun Subramanian requested if he rejected the plea deal, Diddy responded, “Sure, I do, your honour. Thanks.” Per the BBC, the protection technique for Diddy’s attorneys can be proving that their shopper led a “swinger” life-style and loved sexual actions with consenting companions.
“There’s a way of life, name it swingers, that he was in that he thought was applicable,” his legal professional Marc Agnifilo mentioned at a listening to, based on ABC Information. “The explanation he thought it was applicable is as a result of it’s so widespread.”
Cassie Ventura Is Reportedly Testifying
Moreover, Cassie is reportedly anticipated to testify, and she or he’s being thought of because the prosecution’s central witness. Her 2023 civil lawsuit in opposition to Combs, alleging rape and years of abuse, initially sparked her ex’s authorized drama. In response to sources through PEOPLE, Cassie is “ready to testify beneath her personal title.” Three different alleged victims may even testify in opposition to Diddy, although they’ve chosen to stay nameless. The information outlet provides that they’ll be addressed utilizing “solely pseudonyms” in the course of the trial.
In the meantime, a 2016 lodge video exhibits Diddy allegedly attacking the singer. Prosecutors deem the footage as “vital” to proving trafficking and power, per CBS Information. Cassie’s testimony is anticipated to supply the courtroom a firsthand account of her former relationship with the mogul. The pair have been collectively from 2007 to 2018. Nonetheless, it’s price noting that Cassie’s crew has not confirmed whether or not she’s going to, in actual fact, be showing on trial.
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