• Sean “Diddy” Combs faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges in a federal trial that could lead to life in prison.
• Prosecutors claim Combs used fame, violence, and drugs to control women and force them into sex acts over two decades.
• Key evidence includes a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting singer Cassie, who later accused him of years of abuse.

Sean “Diddy” Combs looked uneasy on the first day of his sex trafficking trial in New York City. The trial began Monday with jury selection. At one point, Combs asked the judge for a bathroom break. He told the court, “I’m sorry, your honor. I’m a little nervous today.” His trial includes serious charges like sex trafficking and racketeering. These charges could lead to life in prison if the jury finds him guilty.

Judge Questioned Dozens of Jurors About Fairness

Judge Arun Subramanian spoke to about 36 potential jurors on Monday. He asked them about their answers on a court-issued questionnaire. This helped the court decide whether they could be fair during the case. The judge explained the charges against Combs. He told them that Combs entered a plea of not guilty. He reminded everyone that Combs deserves the same legal protection as anyone else. The court expects the trial to last around two months.

Graphic Videos Will Play a Key Role in This Case

The judge warned jurors that the trial will include disturbing content. Videos showing violence and sexual acts will be presented as evidence. Some jurors said they already saw parts of the case on the news or social media. One woman said she saw an image from a video of Combs kicking and hitting a woman in a hotel hallway. She called it “damning evidence.” The court dismissed her from the jury pool. Another juror admitted she liked a social media post about baby oil found in one of Combs’ homes. The court allowed her to stay.

Courtroom Lacks Cameras, But Sketch Artists Will Cover It

Unlike many other celebrity trials, this one will not appear on TV or online. Federal court rules ban all electronic recordings. People must rely on courtroom sketch artists to see what happens. These drawings will show the public what goes on inside the room. Still, the lack of video means fewer people can follow the case closely.

Combs Wore Regular Clothes, Not Jail Uniform

On Monday, Combs appeared in court wearing a gray sweater, white shirt, and slacks. The judge allowed him to wear regular clothes. He has remained in federal jail in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. Jail rules do not allow hair dye, so his hair and goatee looked mostly gray. Combs sat with his lawyers during the hearing. He stayed quiet for most of the day.

Court Eliminated Half of the Jury Pool on Day One

By the end of the first day, the court dismissed about half of the potential jurors. Some said they could not stay for a two-month trial. Others admitted they already held strong opinions about the case. On Tuesday, the court will question more jurors. Officials don’t expect to select the final jury before Wednesday.

Prosecutors Accuse Diddy of Leading a Criminal Enterprise

The 17-page indictment describes Combs as the head of a violent and abusive operation. Prosecutors say he used his fame, money, and power to control women and others for over twenty years. They claim he used people from his staff and businesses to help him. They also say he arranged drug-fueled sex events called “Freak Offs,” where he pressured women to perform in front of others. Prosecutors believe he used rewards like fame or threats of harm to get what he wanted.

Violence Played a Central Role in Alleged Abuse

Prosecutors say Combs didn’t stop at threats. They claim he carried out real acts of violence. The indictment says he beat people, burned property, and kidnapped victims. One report says he even held someone over a balcony. These details shocked many people following the case. The violent incidents form a major part of the government’s argument.

Cassie’s 2016 Assault Is Key Evidence in the Trial

A major piece of video evidence shows Combs attacking his former girlfriend, singer Cassie. In 2016, a hotel security camera recorded him punching and kicking her in a hallway. Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, later filed a lawsuit in 2023. She accused Combs of years of abuse, including beatings and rape. She chose to go public with her story, which added more weight to the case. The video from 2016 will likely play a big role in the trial.

Diddy’s Lawyer Admits Past Drug Use and Toxic Behavior

Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, spoke honestly about his client’s past. He said Diddy lived a wild lifestyle. He admitted there was drug use and unhealthy relationships. But he strongly denied any criminal actions. Agnifilo said every sexual act involved only consenting adults. He insisted that Diddy never forced anyone to do anything against their will.

Trial Marks the Most Serious Challenge of Diddy’s Career

Over the years, Diddy faced many lawsuits and public scandals. But this trial is different. These charges are criminal, not civil. And they carry heavy penalties. The court will now decide if his past behavior crossed legal lines. If found guilty, Combs could lose his freedom forever.