What is Sean 'Diddy' Combs charged with and how will his trial unfold?

The jury for Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial will be sworn in on Monday. Opening statements will follow from both sides.

Combs, 55, was arrested last September. He faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

He has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations against him.

Dozens of potential jurors were screened before selecting 12 jurors and six alternates. The first week of testimony will include two brief witnesses and a third witness who will testify longer.

Combs also faces numerous civil lawsuits from individuals accusing him of drugging, assaulting, raping, intimidating, and silencing them. He claims these lawsuits are attempts for a "quick payday."

The court is open to the public but will not allow cameras or electronic devices. The BBC will provide live updates as the jury is seated and opening statements begin.

Jury selection started on May 5 at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse in Manhattan. Judge Arun Subramanian indicated that the trial could last around eight weeks.

Potential jurors reviewed a long list of names and places related to the trial. This list included Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

Judge Subramanian humorously compared the lengthy list to an appendix from "Lord of the Rings." Jurors also filled out questionnaires about their views on hip-hop artists and violence.

Most potential jurors had heard news reports about the case's allegations. Many had seen footage of Combs kicking his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway.

In New York's federal criminal case, Combs faces multiple charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The most severe allegations involve kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sexual activities using threats or firearms.

During a raid at his Los Angeles mansion, police found supplies intended for orgies known as “freak offs.” These included drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil.

Separately, Combs faces several lawsuits alleging rape and assault. Lawyer Tony Buzbee stated that over 100 individuals have filed lawsuits against him or plan to do so.

In December 2023, a woman known as Jane Doe alleged she was gang-raped by Combs when she was 17 years old in 2003. She claimed she was given drugs and alcohol before the attack.

Combs' legal team dismissed these lawsuits as publicity stunts seeking attention.

Sean Combs had an on-and-off relationship with Cassie Ventura for over ten years. His current legal troubles began when she sued him for violent abuse in late 2023.

That lawsuit settled quickly after being filed; Combs maintained his innocence throughout. Since then, many others have accused him of sexual assault dating back to 1991.

His controversial history resurfaced in 2024 when CNN leaked CCTV footage showing him kicking Ventura while she lay on a hotel floor. He later apologized for his actions in that video.

Regarding the federal charges against him, Combs' lawyer stated they are confident in their case's integrity. They believe truth will show he never sexually assaulted anyone—man or woman—at any age.

Diddy's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss part of the indictment claiming racial targeting by prosecutors. They argued he led a "swinger" lifestyle rather than engaging in criminal behavior involving sex workers.

Prosecutors revealed that Combs rejected a plea deal before trial began. His lawyers consistently deny all allegations made against him in civil suits as "sickening."

If convicted on racketeering charges, Combs could face life imprisonment. A minimum sentence of 15 years applies if found guilty of sex trafficking; transportation for prostitution carries up to ten years maximum sentence.

Since his arrest on September 16, 2024, he has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). Critics describe MDC as overcrowded with dangerous conditions for inmates.

His lawyers requested release due to these conditions but were denied bail by a judge who deemed him a flight risk. Prosecutors accused Combs of breaking prison rules by contacting potential witnesses improperly.

A judge allowed Mr. Combs to wear non-prison clothing during his trial instead of jail jumpsuits. At jury selection court appearance, he wore a blue sweater with glasses resting on his head.

Sean "Diddy" Combs rose to fame in hip-hop during the '90s under various names like Puff Daddy and P Diddy. He helped launch careers for artists like Mary J Blige and Biggie Smalls through Bad Boy Records—a major label that expanded its roster significantly over time.

Outside music success includes promoting Cîroc vodka through Diageo partnership deals.

In 2023 he released his fifth album titled *The Love Album: Off The Grid*. This earned him his first solo Grammy nomination along with recognition as Global Icon at MTV Awards.