Diddy Trial Jury Selection Begins Amid Public Scrutiny

Jury selection for Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs' highly publicized trial on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy is set to begin May 5, with both prosecutors and defense attorneys preparing their strategies amid intense media scrutiny. The process includes detailed questionnaires aimed at identifying potential jurors' biases, knowledge of the case, and opinions about the hip-hop industry and wealthy individuals, as ensuring impartiality is particularly challenging due to extensive coverage and several documentaries about Combs. The defense is considering introducing testimony about Combs' past consensual sexual encounters with individuals not listed in the indictment, but prosecutors are strongly objecting, arguing such evidence is irrelevant and risks confusing the jury. A judge has ruled that key hotel security footage from 2016 showing an alleged assault will be permitted as evidence. Combs, a notable music mogul who has pleaded not guilty, faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks, with an anonymous jury panel to protect against potential harassment.