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Diddy is combating for his freedom in a New York trial following his arrest in September 2024. After being hit with costs that embody intercourse trafficking and racketeering, he’s pleaded not responsible and doubled down by rejecting a plea deal. Jury choice is in full swing forward of the trial, however the course of has been something however easy for the court docket. Here’s what to know.
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Jury Selection Begins In Diddy’s Trial
On Monday, May 5, jury choice kicked off in Manhattan’s federal courthouse with almost 100 potential jurors. Due to Diddy’s excessive profile, the method has confronted some challenges. Three days later, on Wednesday, May 7, potential jurors had been nonetheless being interviewed.
Per USA Today, widespread questions that arose throughout the newest court docket session had jurors quizzed about sexual assault. Jurors had been requested about whether or not they had been victims of non-consensual sexual acts, in addition to potential kinfolk or pals who’d handled sexual assault, harassment, or home violence. This was seemingly an effort to slender down the checklist, which was diminished from almost 100 folks to simply 45.
Many admitted to being aware of a 2016 resort surveillance video allegedly exhibiting Combs assaulting Cassie, per CNN. Some jurors referenced media protection, together with a documentary, ‘The Fall of Diddy,’ elevating issues about bias. According to USA Today, one lady was an worker at HBO. She was dismissed from choice when Diddy’s attorneys requested, for a second time, that she not be included due to her ties to the corporate.
The court docket additionally questioned jurors’ views on hip-hop tradition and regulation enforcement, aiming for equal remedy. By day’s finish, the court docket dismissed half the pool. Jury choice is anticipated to conclude on Friday, May 8, per the Associated Press. Judge Arun Subramanian oversees the proceedings, with opening statements set for Monday, May 12.
Diddy’s Charges + His Not Guilty Plea
Diddy faces 5 federal counts. The father of 4 has been hit with a number of costs. These embody racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking on two counts, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors declare Diddy pressured ladies into sexual encounters, which frequently concerned male escorts in tow, at events he referred to as “Freak Offs.” There, he would reportedly use medicine and intimidation to dominate victims. Other accusations contain witness intimidation, in addition to violent acts like kidnapping and setting fires.
A conviction might imply life behind bars for Diddy. Yet, he’s stood agency, getting into not responsible pleas to each cost following his arrest in September 2024. Just earlier than the trial, it was revealed that the Bad Boy Records founder had turned down a plea supply, suggesting that he trusts his protection technique.
On Thursday, May 1, when Judge Arun Subramanian requested if he rejected the plea deal, Diddy responded, “Yes, I do, your honour. Thank you.” Per the BBC, the protection technique for Diddy’s attorneys shall be proving that their consumer led a “swinger” way of life and loved sexual actions with consenting companions.
“There’s a lifestyle, call it swingers, that he was in that he thought was appropriate,” his legal professional Marc Agnifilo mentioned at a listening to, in response to ABC News. “The reason he thought it was appropriate is because it’s so common.”
Cassie Ventura Is Reportedly Testifying
Additionally, Cassie is reportedly anticipated to testify, and she or he’s being thought-about because the prosecution’s central witness. Her 2023 civil lawsuit in opposition to Combs, alleging rape and years of abuse, initially sparked her ex’s authorized drama. According to sources by way of PEOPLE, Cassie is “prepared to testify under her own name.” Three different alleged victims may even testify in opposition to Diddy, although they’ve chosen to stay nameless. The information outlet provides that they’ll be addressed utilizing “only pseudonyms” throughout the trial.
Meanwhile, a 2016 resort video exhibits Diddy allegedly attacking the singer. Prosecutors deem the footage as “critical” to proving trafficking and pressure, per CBS News. Cassie’s testimony is anticipated to supply the court docket a firsthand account of her former relationship with the mogul. The pair had been collectively from 2007 to 2018. However, it’s value noting that Cassie’s workforce has not confirmed whether or not she is going to, in truth, be showing on trial.
RELATED: Cassie Reportedly Makes MAJOR Decision Regarding Her Testimony In Diddy’s Upcoming Trial
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