(NewsNation) — Opening statements are expected to begin Monday in the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs after prosecutors and defense attorneys settled on a jury earlier in the morning.
On Monday morning, the prosecution, defense team and judge settled on 12 jurors and 6 alternates after four days of jury selection last week.
The prosecution struck seven potential jurors who were Black, which the defense argued was biased. The judge sided with the prosecution.
The defense struck down 13 potential jurors, the prosecution struck nine total.
Who is at Diddy’s trial?
Several members of Combs’ family arrived in court Monday, including his mother, Janice Combs and his sons Justin Combs and Quincy Brown.
Rapper Lil Rod, who accused Combs of sexual assault last year, arrived in court Monday morning along with his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn.
Other notable arrivals Monday morning included Mark Geragos, the father of Teny Geragos, who is on Combs’ defense team. Also singer Jaguar Wright arrived Monday.
What is Diddy accused of?
Combs faces federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The music producer has been held without bail since his September 2024 arrest, which came after two of his homes were raided by federal investigators seven months earlier.
Prosecutors have alleged Combs used the resources of his music empire to create “a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”
What’s coming next in Diddy’s trial?
Opening statements will set the stage not only with evidence but potential witnesses that will testify during a likely emotional trial.
Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former partner, is expected to testify as the prosecution’s lead witness. She is expected to be the third witness. The first witness set to testify is a male escort, and a second witness hasn’t yet been identified.
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Janice Combs, mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs, second from right, arrives to the courthouse in New York, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) -
Family and supporters of Sean “Diddy” Combs, including his sons Quincy Brown, second from left, and Justin Combs, third from right, arrive to the courthouse in New York, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) -
Family and supporters of Sean “Diddy” Combs, including his sons Quincy Brown, third from left, and Justin Combs, second from right, arrive to the courthouse in New York, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) -
Family and supporters of Sean “Diddy” Combs arrive to the courthouse in New York, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Footage reportedly showing Ventura being assaulted by Combs has been allowed by the judge for jurors to watch. The hotel surveillance video obtained by CNN has been called a “smoking gun” by legal experts.
Many prospective jurors had been dismissed during the selection process due to their opinions about the footage.
If Combs is convicted on all charges, he could remain behind bars for life.
