The jury selection process for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ bombshell trial has begun, with potential jurors asked whether they recognised a slew of celebrity names.
The jury selection comes ahead of the disgraced rapper’s trial in New York, which is expected to last eight weeks and sees him accused of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Ahead of opening arguments, which will likely take place on May 12, a pool of 150 potential jurors were asked to fill out a questionnaire to gauge their knowledge of Combs, as well as their views on law enforcement and their own experiences of sexual assault.
This group of possible jurors was given a list of at least 190 celebrities and public figures, and was asked to take note of any names they recognised.
Included on the list were fellow musicians like Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, Kanye West and Kid Cudi, alongside actors like Michael B. Jordan and Mike Myers.
It’s not yet known how some of the names on the list relate to the trial, if at all, but at least one name has a known connection to the rapper.
Prosecutors believe that Kid Cudi is the victim of a car bombing committed by Combs in 2011.
At the time, the “Pursuit of Happiness” singer was romantically involved with Combs’ longtime ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is serving as a star witness in the trial.
Beyond that, it’s not known why some of the other names were listed, though Combs did gain a reputation for throwing big Hollywood parties and was well-connected to many celebrities.
PEDESTRIAN.TV is not suggesting any mentioned celebrities are linked to Combs’ trial.
According to Variety, a surprising number of potential jurors were not familiar with any of the names on the list, which also included some of Combs’ family members.
Alongside this trial, Combs has been hit with more than 70 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct ranging from rape to sex trafficking, though those lawsuits are separate from the federal case.
Prosecutors allege that the rapper was a serial abuser who led a vast criminal network held together by assistants, security guards and other employees who kept quiet for years, with allegations spanning from 2004 to 2024.
Combs has denied all allegations and has insisted that all sexual activities were consensual.
If convicted on any or all counts, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison.
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