As Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial Begins, Jurors Questioned On List of Approx 190 Celebrities Who May Play Role

NEW YORK, NY – Jury selection commenced today May 5, 2025, in Manhattan federal court for the high-profile sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Combs faces five criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation for purposes of prostitution. If convicted, he could face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison .

The selection process involves an extensive questionnaire assessing potential jurors’ familiarity with Combs, their views on law enforcement, and any personal experiences with sexual assault. Notably, the questionnaire includes a list of approximately 190 celebrities, such as Kanye West, Michael B. Jordan, and Kid Cudi, to determine any potential biases or connections that could affect impartiality

Prosecutors allege that over two decades, Combs operated a criminal enterprise leveraging his entertainment businesses to exploit women. The indictment details coercive practices, including orchestrating events referred to as “Freak Offs,” where women were allegedly manipulated into drug-fueled sexual encounters under the guise of career advancement. Methods of control reportedly included physical violence, kidnapping, and threats

A significant piece of evidence is a 2016 surveillance video purportedly showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. Ventura, expected to testify under her real name, previously filed a lawsuit in November 2023 alleging a decade of abuse, which was settled out of court. The video, released by CNN in May 2024, is anticipated to play a central role in the prosecution’s case .

During jury selection, some prospective jurors acknowledged having seen the assault video or being aware of related social media discussions. These admissions led to further questioning to assess their ability to remain unbiased. The court aims to select 12 jurors and six alternates, with opening statements scheduled for May 12 .

The full list of approximately 190 celebrities and public figures presented to potential jurors during the jury selection process has not been publicly released. However, several media outlets have reported on some of the notable names included in the list:

The inclusion of these names serves to assess potential jurors’ familiarity with individuals who may be mentioned during the trial, either as witnesses or in relation to the case’s context. For instance, Kid Cudi’s name appears due to allegations that Combs was involved in a 2011 incident targeting the rapper’s vehicle, reportedly linked to Cudi’s relationship with Cassie Ventura at the time.

While the complete list remains confidential, these disclosures provide insight into the breadth of individuals connected to or potentially relevant in the proceedings. As the trial progresses, more information about the involvement or relevance of these figures may become available.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting that any sexual activities were consensual and denying the existence of a criminal enterprise. He has been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 .

The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, drawing significant public and media attention due to the serious nature of the charges and Combs’ prominence in the music industry.

Although the civil lawsuits are being handled separately from the federal criminal trial, the sheer volume and visibility of those cases – combined with media coverage and leaked evidence – may negatively influence public perception and potentially impact future litigation outcomes.