Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs granted jury request in trial by judge
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has successfully requested for a postponement in the final stage of jury selection in his trial.
On May 5th, jury selection for Combs’ New York trial began, in which he is accused of five counts of sex trafficking, racketeering, and sexual abuse by a number of both men and women. It was supposed to reach its conclusion on May 9th. However, it has now been pushed back due to concerns that potential jurors may drop out over the weekend.
Combs’ defence pleaded with Judge Arun Subramanian, who is presiding over the case, to consider the postponement. Despite opposition to the postponement from prosecutors, it was granted.
On May 12th, the 45 prospective jurors will be whittled down to 12, with six also selected as alternates. It is expected to take around an hour. Following this, opening statements will be heard in court.
Combs’ legal team attempted to delay the trial for up to two months in order for them to prepare a defence for the rapper’s latest two charges, which were added to the case in an indictment in April. This request was not granted.
Combs vehemently denies all the accusations against him, stating previously on social media that he “did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
He was arrested in September 2024 and has since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, while awaiting trial. If found guilty, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison.
The trial continues.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.