Diddy trial begins: Jury Selection to start in s*x trafficking case

Giggs And Diddy Perform At O2 Shepherd
Diddy trial begins: Jury Selection to start in s*x trafficking case (Image via Getty)

The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of the most well-known names in music, is beginning in New York. On an overcast day outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan, jury selection has started in the federal s*x trafficking case against him. Combs is facing serious charges and has pleaded not guilty.

Federal agents and NYPD officers are handling courthouse security. The public and media are closely watching this trial. Several lawsuits and criminal charges have brought growing attention to Combs in recent months.

Combs has denied all claims and says he believes the court process will clear his name. His defense team tried to delay the trial but was denied by the judge. The trial is now moving forward.


What is Diddy accused of?

What is Diddy accused of? (Image via Getty)
What is Diddy accused of? (Image via Getty)

According to a live report by BBC News, being reported on May 5, 2025, Diddy is facing federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of s*x trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The racketeering charge is central to the case and includes other serious claims.

Prosecutors say Combs kidnapped, drugged, and forced women into s*xual acts. Some of these claims also involve threats and firearms. Authorities also say that, during a raid on his Los Angeles home, they found drugs and materials said to be for s*x parties.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has also denied dozens of civil lawsuits that claim he drugged, r*ped, or assaulted people. His legal team says these claims are not true and are attempts to get money.


What happened in the courtroom before the trial?

What happened in the courtroom before the trial? (Image via Getty)
What happened in the courtroom before the trial? (Image via Getty)

According to a live report by BBC News, being reported on May 5, 2025, Diddy's legal team asked the judge to delay the trial by two months. They said they needed more time to review evidence and prepare their case. But Judge Arun Subramanian denied this request.

The judge said Combs has enough lawyers and resources to get ready in time. He also said the court would not allow a "fishing expedition" by the defense, meaning they cannot ask for more time without strong reasons.

During earlier hearings, Combs appeared calm. He wore tan-colored prison clothes but has now been allowed to wear regular clothing for the trial. He sometimes turned to smile at people in the courtroom.

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What is expected in the trial ahead?

Jury selection has started and may take the rest of the week. The court is choosing 12 jurors and 6 alternates. Once the jury has been selected, the trial will begin soon after.

Prosecutors said they need about three weeks to present their side. Combs' legal team said they will need one week. The trial will not be streamed online, but it is open to the public.

The judge has made it clear the trial will move quickly. This means both sides must be ready to present evidence and call witnesses without delay. The court is trying to stay on schedule.

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How has Diddy responded to the charges?

How has Diddy responded to the charges? (Image via Getty)
How has Diddy responded to the charges? (Image via Getty)

Diddy has denied all criminal charges and civil lawsuits. His lawyer says he did not traffic or assault anyone. He says the people accusing him are doing it for money.

His team filed a motion to dismiss one of the charges, saying he is being unfairly treated because of his race. The court has not accepted that argument yet.

In a recent hearing, his lawyers described his personal life as that of a "swinger." They said he had many s*xual partners, including s*x workers, but said that does not make him a criminal. Combs also turned down a plea deal.

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The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is now underway with jury selection in progress. He faces multiple criminal charges and civil lawsuits. He has denied all wrongdoing and says he trusts the court system to prove his innocence.

Over the coming weeks, both sides will present their evidence in court. The case is being closely followed by the public and media. The outcome could have major legal and personal consequences for Combs.

As the trial moves forward, updates from the courtroom will help reveal more details about the case and the arguments from both sides.

Edited by Ayesha Mendonca