The long-awaited sex trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs began in Manhattan, New York, on Monday, and while jury selection kicked off Combs reportedly told the judge presiding over his trial that he was “a little nervous.”
More than 600 potential jurors were asked to fill out questionnaires in federal court before Combs asked Judge Arun Subramanian if he could take a bathroom break, which the judge initially denied, according to People.
“I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today.” Combs then told the Subramanian who granted him a two-minute break.
Combs, who rose to prominence as a rap artist in the 90’s and was the founder of Bad Boy Records, is facing charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Arrested in September and indicted by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, Combs has pled not guilty but faces a potential prison sentence of life in prison if convicted.
While Combs maintains his encounters were consensual, the case revolves around allegations that the mogul participated in purported “freak offs,” where women were reportedly coerced into “elaborate and produced sex performances” with male sex workers – allegedly all orchestrated by Combs.
People further reported that Combs’ ex Cassie Ventura is expected to testify during the trial. Prosecutors have referenced surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel that appears to show Combs assaulting and dragging Ventura down a hotel hallway.
Potential jurors were given a list of hundreds of names and asked if they knew who those people were – some being major celebrities including Kanye West, Mike Myers, Michael B. Jordan, and Kid Kudi. However, it was not reported what part they may play in the trial.
According to the Daily Wire, Combs’ now former defense attorney withdrew himself from the case in February, reportedly saying “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs. It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”
Combs reportedly turned down an undisclosed plea deal and is being charged under the Mann Act or the White Slave Traffic Act, which prohibits moving people across state or international borders for prostitution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York allege Combs had “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes.”
