Jurors in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial may be asked about guns, drugs, sex with multiple partners
Jury selection in the high-profile federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to begin on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York City. The process is already drawing attention due to the controversial and deeply personal questions that may be asked of potential jurors. These questions touch on topics such as guns, drugs, sex with multiple partners, and the hip-hop lifestyle—all key elements at the center of the case.
According to court documents filed on Friday, both federal prosecutors and the defense team submitted their proposed questions for the jury vetting process. Known as voir dire, this stage allows both sides to screen jurors for potential biases or conflicts that might affect their ability to fairly judge the case.
The filings reveal that prospective jurors may be asked how they feel about:
- Sexual relationships involving multiple partners
- Illegal drug use or distribution
- The hip-hop industry and celebrity culture
- Law enforcement and criminal investigations
- Violence, including intimate partner violence
- Paying for sex and sex trafficking
One suggested question from the defense reads: “Do you believe wealthy people are treated differently by the justice system than those who are not wealthy?” This appears to reflect concerns that Combs’ celebrity status could affect the jury’s impartiality.
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, recently described his client as a “swinger” during a hearing, emphasizing that all of Combs’ sexual relationships were consensual. This may explain why potential jurors could be asked whether they would struggle to hear testimony involving people who have sex with multiple partners.
Other topics covered in the proposed questions include:
- Experiences with sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence
- Views on addiction, substance abuse, and recovery
- Preferences for TV shows like Law and Order or CSI
- Listening habits involving podcasts or media sources
- Prior training in trauma or mental health
The prosecution’s filing clearly states, “You may hear evidence in this case relating to acts of violence, including intimate partner violence and other assaults.” They also note that some witnesses may testify using pseudonyms to protect their identities. In particular, alleged victims of Combs will be allowed to testify under aliases—except for Cassie Ventura, a former girlfriend, who has chosen to use her real name.
Prosecutors have also asked that jurors be questioned about their views on:
- Commercial sex work
- Sex trafficking
- Firearms and gun violence
- Cellphone and iCloud data searches by law enforcement
These themes are expected to be central to the trial, especially after federal agents raided Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami last year. Authorities reportedly gathered digital evidence from his phone and cloud accounts during those searches.
“You may hear testimony that law enforcement recovered evidence from cellular and iCloud accounts,” prosecutors wrote. “Do you have any beliefs or experiences that might affect your ability to evaluate this fairly?”
Another key issue in the case is that some witnesses may testify under immunity, meaning they cannot be prosecuted for what they say in court. Prosecutors also clarified that while multiple individuals may be named during the trial, only Combs is on trial.
As part of the vetting process, jurors will be given a list of names of individuals involved in or mentioned during the case. They’ll be instructed to review the list silently and say whether they know any of the names—without speaking them out loud in court.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges, which include:
- Sex trafficking
- Transportation to engage in prostitution
- Racketeering conspiracy
He is currently being held in federal custody in New York City while he awaits trial. Jury selection begins Monday, May 5, and the trial is expected to attract nationwide attention due to the explosive nature of the allegations and Combs’ status as a powerful figure in the hip-hop world.
The outcome of this case could have major implications for celebrity accountability and the broader music industry. With testimony involving intimate and sometimes graphic topics, the trial is likely to generate headlines throughout its duration.
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