NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers representing hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs are advocating for a judge to permit the questioning of prospective jurors about their views on sex, drugs, and violence ahead of his upcoming sex trafficking trial. The trial is set to begin on May 5 in Manhattan federal court.
The defense team submitted a proposed questionnaire that they believe should be filled out by potential jurors. In a letter to the judge, they expressed the desire to assess jurors' openness to viewing explicit videos or content depicting physical assaults. Additionally, they are interested in understanding jurors' perspectives on individuals with multiple sexual partners.
In contrast, prosecutors responded with their own letter, criticizing the defense's proposed questionnaire as overly lengthy and covering topics that could be better addressed through direct questioning by the judge. Prosecutors contended that some of the 72 questions proposed by the defense were "utterly irrelevant" to a juror's ability to serve on the panel.
Prosecutors cited the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in December 2021 for sex trafficking, as a cautionary example. In that case, a juror admitted to failing to disclose that they were a victim of sexual abuse, partially due to being distracted while filling out a long questionnaire.” This brought concerns about juror attention and comprehension into sharper focus.
Judge Arun Subramanian has indicated that the questionnaires will be distributed to hundreds of prospective jurors at the end of April, with jury questioning scheduled to commence on May 5, and opening statements likely to begin on May 12.
Sean Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to accusations of sexual abuse spanning over a two-decade period. The founder of Bad Boy Records has been held without bail since his arrest in September. The indictment against him highlights how he allegedly exploited his "power and prestige" in the music industry to intimidate, threaten, and lure women into his sphere, often under the guise of romantic relationships.
The indictment also details allegations that Combs used force, threats, and coercion to compel victims, including three specified women, to engage in commercial sex acts. Furthermore, it accuses him of subjecting his victims to violence and verbal abuse, as well as threats of violence and damages to their financial and reputational standing.
A critical piece of evidence anticipated by prosecutors for the trial is a video that reportedly shows Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend and protege, R&B singer Cassie, in a hotel hallway.
In defense of their client, Combs' lawyers argue that prosecutors have constructed their case based on charges that unfairly demonize consensual sexual acts between adults. The legal team has noted their inability to reach an agreement with prosecutors on what questions should be included in the juror questionnaires.
The defense pointed out that it is vital to allow potential jurors to speak candidly about the negative media coverage surrounding Sean Combs, which they regard as unprecedented. They also requested that jurors disclose whether they have watched specific television shows that focus on Combs, such as "The Fall of Diddy," "Diddy Do It?," "The Downfall of Diddy," and "Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy."
