Jury selection is underway for the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the American hip hop mogul who is accused using his stardom to force women into sex trafficking and abuse at drug-fuelled parties. Combs has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Monday, 36 potential jurors were questioned by Judge Arun Subramanian about their answers to a questionnaire meant to help determine if they could be fair and impartial at a trial that will feature violent and sexually explicit videos. According to Variety and other outlets, potential jurors were also given a list of 190 people, including celebrities and other public figures, and asked to indicate which of the name they recognized.
The names included Canadian actor Mike Myers, actor Michael B. Jordan, Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
The inclusion of the 190 people on the list doesn’t mean that they will necessarily be called as witnesses or named again during the proceedings, People reported.
It’s unclear why Myers, 61, is on the list, though movie fans have pointed out that Myers seemingly poked fun of Combs during a scene in the 2002 film “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” The scene involves the character Dr. Evil, who is portrayed by Myers, with the name “Diddy” tattooed on his bare buttocks.
Other celebrities on the list have a more clear connection to Combs.
Ventura, who accused Combs of sexual and physical assault in 2023, plans to testify at the trial under her own name, according to People. In her now-settled lawsuit, Ventura accused Combs of repeatedly raping her, forcing her to have sex with male sex workers while he watched and blowing up rapper Kid Cudi’s car in 2012 because he was jealous.
Jordan, who stars in the recent blockbuster film “Sinners,” will not be a witness at the trial, a source told Variety. The actor reportedly went on a date with Ventura in 2015, which the source said upset Combs.
Combs, 55, was arrested last September and charged with several offences, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and related counts. His lawyers contend that all of his sexual encounters were consensual. If convicted of all charges, Combs could face a maximum of life in prison.
—With files from the Associated Press
