Jury selection in Sean Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering criminal trial will begin today, as both the hip-hop mogul’s high-powered defense team and Southern District of New York prosecutors are expected to quiz prospective jurors on their feelings about wealthy individuals and Combs’ self-described “swinger” lifestyle.
Both sides will begin the process of whittling down 150 people into a final jury pool of 12 men and women and six alternates for the celebrity criminal trial that is expected to last at least eight weeks. Jury selection is expected to last three days, and opening statements are set for May 12.
The 55-year-old Bad Boy Entertainment founder pleaded not guilty to five felony counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution following his arrest last September. He faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted on the charges, and he has already rejected a plea deal.
Prosecutors began today’s voir dire by giving general instructions and presenting a brief overview of the charges to the pool. The heart of the government’s case alleges that Combs used his sprawling, billion-dollar business as a “criminal enterprise” that allegedly used physical violence, threats, and coercion to fulfill Combs’ “sexual gratification,” which included the alleged sex trafficking of two former girlfriends between 2009 and 2024.
Potential jurors have already been given a lengthy questionnaire about their general knowledge of the case. They were asked if they watched crime shows, where they gathered their news from, and if they had an opinion on hip-hop. Other questions included whether prospective jurors had ever experienced a traumatic event and if they “believe that wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not.”
During the proceedings, Kanye West, Mike Myers, Kid Cudi, and Michael B. Jordan were on a list of names for potential jurors that may come up in trial. It’s unclear what role, if any, any of the three may have, though Rolling Stone has confirmed that Jordan will not be called as a witness in the trial.
Combs’ defense team also probed people’s thoughts regarding what some would consider taboo/nontraditional sexual habits. “There may be evidence in this case about people having multiple sexual partners,” came one question. “Is there anything about this that would make it difficult for you to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case?”
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The line of questioning seems to be central to Combs’ defense. His lawyers have claimed that the alleged criminal sexual encounters — referred to as “freak-offs” — were not only consensual, but part of his alternative lifestyle. “There’s a lifestyle, call it swingers or whatever you will, that he thought was appropriate because it was common,” Combs’ lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued in a pretrial conference last month. “Many people think it’s appropriate because it’s common.”
Possible jurors were also given a list of witnesses and alleged victims who might be called to testify. Prosecutors asked if they personally knew anyone on the list, of if they or any immediate family members had dealings with anyone on the list.
Likely on that list of names is R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to testify against her longtime ex-boyfriend Combs. Ventura has been at the center of prosecutors’ case (identified in court papers as Victim-1), who was allegedly sex trafficked between 2008 and 2018. The timeline aligns with dates that Ventura detailed in her since-settled civil lawsuit against Combs.
Over the course of their decade-long relationship, Ventura claimed her music label boss routinely forced her to have sex with male escorts while he watched and masturbated. During these encounters, Ventura alleged she was supplied copious amounts of alcohol and illicit substances, including Ecstasy, ketamine, GHB, and cocaine. If she refused to participate, Ventura alleged, Combs would beat her.
Prosecutors have painted Combs as dangerous and abusive, claiming Combs forced at least two romantic partners to submit to his will and sexual fantasies through manipulation, coercion, threats, and violence, including once attempting to beat down a woman’s door with a hammer. He is also accused of forced labor and abusing his staff, maintaining control over certain employees’ lives by leading them to “believe they would be harmed — including by losing their jobs — if they did not comply with his demands,” according to prosecutors.
Combs’ team denied the accusations, saying they have former employees who could speak of their positive working experience with Combs. They also have claimed that despite Combs’ self-admitted history of violent behavior in regard to his treatment of Ventura, that Combs is coming to court a changed man. The father of seven is said to have sought professional help and gone to rehab years prior to address his substance-use issues. However, a Rolling Stone investigation from January found Combs was still volatile, still taking altering substances, and was still allegedly sexually abusive up until his arrest. Rolling Stone also previously uncovered a pattern of abusive behavior dating back to Combs’ time at Howard University.
This story has been updated to reflect that Kanye West, Mike Myers, Kid Cudi, and Michael B. Jordan were on a list of names for potential jurors.
From Rolling Stone US
