The long-awaited criminal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to begin Monday in New York with opening arguments, following delays in jury selection.
Combs faces a series of federal charges, including sex trafficking by force, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.
Combs Faces Serious Allegations
Combs, 55, who rose to fame in the 1990s as a key figure in the careers of artists like Notorious B.I.G., Usher, and Mary J. Blige, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Federal prosecutors allege he led a violent criminal enterprise that coerced women into drug-fueled sexual acts he referred to as “freak offs.” Combs has denied wrongdoing, claiming all encounters were consensual and part of a swinger lifestyle.
Jury Selection Wraps Monday
Judge Arun Subramanian announced that final jury selection would take place Monday morning after two potential jurors unexpectedly dropped out late Friday. The jury will be seated at 8:30 a.m., followed by formal instructions and opening statements shortly thereafter.
High-Profile Defense Team
Combs is represented by a powerhouse legal team with over 150 years of combined experience. His lead attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Brian Steel, have defended high-profile figures such as rapper Young Thug, disgraced financier Martin Shkreli, and accused corporate criminal Luigi Mangione.
Legal experts say the team’s deep experience across criminal defense sectors could prove pivotal in this high-stakes case, where Combs faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
For more on Combs’ trial, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.