Sean Diddy ‘Combs’ trial jury selection on the first day of jury selection for the rapper faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
As the jury selection process for a possible lengthy prison sentence for the music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, age 55, walked into a Manhattan federal courtroom on Monday.
But it was an unexpected name drop of Kanye West that raised eyebrows when a scientist in his forties, being considered for the jury, admitted he recognised West’s name from a list associated with the trial, according to MailOnline.
The potential juror assured the court that despite knowing about West, he could make an impartial and objective decision.
West, who is not a defendant in this case, has been publicly backing Combs, stirring up controversy with online posts and earlier this year, announcing a fashion collaboration with the Bad Boy Records boss.
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Jurors were given a lengthy list of famous people who might be referred to during the trial as part of the ongoing legal proceedings, a list so long that Judge Arun Subramanian humorously compared it to an “appendix from Lord of the Rings.”
To streamline the process, jurors will receive this list in advance, simplifying their individual questioning sessions, as reported by the Express, reports the Mirror US.
The specifics of their involvement in the case are still undetermined, but actor Michael B. Jordan, comedian Mike Myers, Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, actress Lauren London, who is well known for her connections to the late Nipsey Hussle, and rapper Kid Cudi are included in this list.
What precisely is the purpose of Diddy’s trial?
The trial gravitating around Sean Combs has taken an expansive scope, sweeping up incidents dating back to 2004 and extending over multiple states. A pool of potential jurors has been introduced to the substantial charges which include sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Judge Subramanian has reiterated to them that Combs still enters a not-guilty plea, insisting that he will be presumed innocent until proven guilty despite the allegations.
Combs has resided in a squalid Brooklyn federal facility since his arrest in September. A sweater, which was layered over a crisp white shirt and gray slacks, marked his court appearance, which was a judicially accepted substitute for regular prison attire.
Combs’ hair and goatee are now clearly gray due to the absence of hair dye in prison, which he has now aged 55.
How to follow the events of the Diddy saga
This one is strictly traditional, unlike the media circus that surrounds celeb trials: there are no broadcasts for audiences in federal courtrooms, leaving sketch artists as the only visual observers.
This trial won’t be quick, so be prepared. Combs might face a lengthy sentence behind bars if found guilty, which is expected to last eight weeks.
Even during jury selection, subtlety emerges, with some members recognizing a particular piece of evidence. For instance, a 2016 video that shows Combs attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel corridor, which was posted online in a rather violent exchange. The clip was deemed “damning evidence,” according to a juror, which resulted in her being excluded from the selection process.
A clearly anxious Combs requested to use the facilities after another juror had excused him, and he apologised, “I’m sorry your honor, I’m a little nervous today.”
Has Diddy publicly admitted to lying?
The lengthy 17-page indictment, which details an harrowing tale of abuse that dates back more than 20 years, has become the focus of a lot of attention in the media and in the public. The prosecution contends that Combs used his group of associates and staff to maintain power, coerce, and terrorize victims while operating with authority akin to a Mafia boss or drug lord.
The indictment further alleges that Combs allegedly organized “Freak Offs” to encourage women to engage in drug-fueled sexual activity with male sex workers.
Combs allegedly abused his well-known position in the field to reward those who subsisted and punish those who defied his orders, using threats, violence, even kidnapping and arson, according to prosecutors. They cite scenarios like Combs hanging people from a balcony as threats to others.
Source: Mirror
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