Jury Selection In Diddy Trial Slashed Down To THIS Number After Challenging Process

Diddy is preventing for his freedom in a New York trial following his arrest in September 2024. After being hit with prices that embrace 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. Right here’s what to know.

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Jury Selection Begins In Diddy’s Trial

On Monday, Could 5, jury choice kicked off in Manhattan’s federal courthouse with practically 100 potential jurors. As a result of Diddy’s excessive profile, the method has confronted some challenges. Three days later, on Wednesday, Could 7, potential jurors have been nonetheless being interviewed.

Per USA Today, frequent questions that arose throughout the newest court docket session had jurors quizzed about sexual assault. Jurors have been requested about whether or not they have been victims of non-consensual sexual acts, in addition to potential relations or associates who’d handled sexual assault, harassment, or home violence. This was seemingly an effort to slim down the checklist, which was decreased from practically 100 individuals to simply 45.

Many admitted to being aware of a 2016 lodge surveillance video allegedly exhibiting Combs assaulting Cassie, per CNN. Some jurors referenced media protection, together with a documentary, ‘The Fall of Diddy,’ elevating considerations about bias. In keeping with USA Today, one girl 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 legislation enforcement, aiming for equal remedy. By day’s finish, the court docket dismissed half the pool. Jury choice is predicted to conclude on Friday, Could 8, per the Associated Press. Decide Arun Subramanian oversees the proceedings, with opening statements set for Monday, Could 12.

Diddy’s Costs + His Not Responsible Plea

Diddy faces 5 federal counts. The daddy of 4 has been hit with a number of prices. These embrace racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking on two counts, and two counts of transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors declare Diddy compelled ladies into sexual encounters, which regularly concerned male escorts in tow, at events he referred to as “Freak Offs.” There, he would reportedly use medication and intimidation to dominate victims. Different accusations contain witness intimidation, in addition to violent acts like kidnapping and setting fires.

A conviction might imply life behind bars for Diddy. But, he’s stood agency, getting into not responsible pleas to each cost following his arrest in September 2024. Simply earlier than the trial, it was revealed that the Dangerous Boy Data founder had turned down a plea provide, suggesting that he trusts his protection technique.

On Thursday, Could 1, when Decide Arun Subramanian requested if he rejected the plea deal, Diddy responded, “Sure, I do, your honour. Thanks.” 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 life-style, name it swingers, that he was in that he thought was acceptable,” his lawyer Marc Agnifilo mentioned at a listening to, based on ABC News. “The explanation he thought it was acceptable is as a result of it’s so frequent.”

Cassie Ventura Is Reportedly Testifying

Moreover, Cassie is reportedly anticipated to testify, and she or he’s being thought-about because the prosecution’s central witness. Her 2023 civil lawsuit towards Combs, alleging rape and years of abuse, initially sparked her ex’s authorized drama. In keeping with sources by way of PEOPLE, Cassie is “ready to testify below her personal title.” Three different alleged victims may also testify towards Diddy, although they’ve chosen to stay nameless. The information outlet provides that they’ll be addressed utilizing “solely pseudonyms” throughout the trial.

In the meantime, a 2016 lodge video exhibits Diddy allegedly attacking the singer. Prosecutors deem the footage as “crucial” to proving trafficking and drive, per CBS News. Cassie’s testimony is predicted to supply the court docket a firsthand account of her former relationship with the mogul. The pair have been collectively from 2007 to 2018. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that Cassie’s group has not confirmed whether or not she is going to, in reality, be showing on trial.

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