Diddy’s federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial is underway in Manhattan federal court.
Jury selection started on Monday, overseen by Judge Arun Subramanian. According to the New York Post, after around 90 minutes of juror questioning, Diddy confessed to feeling anxious. He also requested a two-minute bathroom break.
“I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today,” he reportedly said. The 55-year-old was permitted to wear his own clothes rather than the jail uniform, opting for a blue sweater over a white button-down shirt. He sat with his lawyers, from where he observed the jury selection process.
The jury will be chosen from a pool of 50 people. On Monday (May 5), legal teams for the defendant and plaintiff asked prospective jurors about questionnaires they had previously filled out. According to the Post, the jurors will also be asked about their point of view on the hip-hop industry, “people engaging in sexual relations with multiple sexual partners,” and more.
Ultimately, 12 New Yorkers will be selected to give a verdict in Diddy’s case. The disgraced music mogul has been accused of overseeing a racketeering conspiracy, which coerced women into sex at drug-fueled parties called “freak-offs.” Diddy’s ex, Cassie, is slated to testify.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of racketeering. Sex trafficking carries a maximum sentence of life, and a minimum sentence of 15 years; transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
