Jurors in Diddy’s trial acknowledge familiarity with assault video, baby oil jokes

P. Diddy (Getty via Soap Central CMS - Resized on Canva)
P. Diddy (Getty via Soap Central CMS - Resized on Canva)

The trial for P. Diddy's s*x trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution case started on May 5, 2025. The case began with a jury selection in which over 600 potential jurors were randomly selected to fill out the questionnaires about their personal details and more. Judge Arun Subramanian, who was in charge of the selection process and presiding over Sean John Combs' trial, has questioned 32 potential jurors so far. Out of the 32, only 19 were selected to move forward to the next phase.

The trial happened in Lower Manhattan, and more potential jurors will be questioned over the week. The "voir dire" is expected to go on for a period of one week since the opening statements are scheduled for May 12, 2025. Out of all the potential jurors, the final jury panel will include 12 jurors and six alternates. These individuals are expected to maintain a level of unbiasedness during the trial despite the high-profile nature of the case.

So far, Judge Subramanian has to choose 45 potential jurors, out of which both sides (defendants and prosecutors) will eliminate without the need to present a reason. Keep scrolling to read a few statements from the potential jurors from the May 5 trial.


A few statements from the potential jurors for Diddy's trial from May 5, 2025

Since Diddy's trial is a high-profile case that was highly publicized, the potential jurors were questioned regarding a certain clip where Diddy was seen assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Some of the potential jurors admitted that they are familiar with the video. While others stated that they know about the baby oil jokes that went viral a few months or weeks ago.

However, just because they are aware of the publicity and media surrounding the case, these are not grounds on which these jurors will be dismissed.

Some of the jurors Judge Arun Subramanian selected mentioned that they were fans of 1990s hip-hop. This does not ensure that the selected jurors would be biased towards Diddy during the trial. However, the selection process is still ongoing. The legal teams from both sides will aid in selecting the jury in the next phase.

A few more examples of the potential jurors who were selected and dismissed today are

A juror, who will be referred to as Juroro. 5, has convinced Judge Arun that they will be fit for the jury panel, even after admitting that they are familiar with the video of Diddy assaulting someone in the hotel. They maintained that they will be a

"blank slate entering this courtroom."

Another juror was dismissed based on what they wrote in the questionnaire. Referring to the same video they saw in the news headline, this is what they had to write about Diddy's assault video:

"could be damning evidence."

Judge Subramanian also included another juror who admitted to liking a comedian's video about baby oil. They convinced the judge that they will maintain their impartiality while being on the jury. This is what the juror had to say:

"I remember liking it because I thought it was funny."

The jury selection phase will continue for a week before the opening statements on May 12, 2025. All the identities of the jurors are kept confidential because of the nature of Diddy's trial. This is done to avoid any threats or harassment they might face if their identities are made public.

Edited by Benidamika Jones Latam