Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Celebrity names surface during jury selection in sex trafficking case

Ariana Baio reports on everything we know about the case so far.

For more than two decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was one of one of hip-hop’s most opportunistic entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show.

In the criminal indictment for this week’s sex trafficking trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the document lists many of the hip-hop mogul’s aliases.

After that round of questioning, Judge Subrmanian dismisses the jurors for the day, saying that they will hear from the jury department, and asking them not to post anything online or to read about the case.

“I will see some of you on May 12.”

The court also learned a bit more about the HBO employee we heard from earlier.

Prospective jurors are drawn from a wide range of careers, we find out in group questioning.

They work in finance, web maintenance, massage therapy, freelance writing, retail, teaching, marketing, nursing, and accounts in the prison system, among other professions.

Jurors spend their time at church, watching Netflix, playing volleyball, cooking, going to the gym, playing cricket, and include supporters of both the Mets and the Yankees. They watch The Voice, The White Lotus, British detective shows on PBS, climate change documentaries, and ESPN.

They listen to alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, gospel, reggaeton, old Indian music, country, bluegrass, and Jazz, as well as NPR, 1010 WINS, and Joe Rogan.

Jurors also read The Atlantic, The New York Times, local news publications, food magazines, and The Bulwark.

Judge Subramanian has jurors who were not excused brought back into the courtroom for a round of group questioning.

They give biographical information, including about their education, where they live, what their hobbies are, and what media they consume.

Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, wants to question the juror who works for HBO again.

HBO produced the documentary The Fall of Diddy, which has come up several times today.

Judge Subramanian tells him he can make an application to do so.