Sean ‘Diddy’ Comb’s trial continued on Tuesday May 6 with day two of jury selection as he faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution
A potential juror in the trial of American rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was excused from court proceedings after admitting he wouldn’t be able to go a day without smoking cannabis.
The man, who had been called for jury service in Manhattan, New York, was dismissed after candidly telling the court he regularly uses marijuana for recreational purposes, and would struggle to give it up during the expected eight-week trial.
When pressed by the judge, he said he smokes cannabis nightly and conceded that abstaining from it for the duration of the trial would be “difficult.”
He also acknowledged that the substance could impair his ability to make sound judgements, although he maintained he could remain impartial. He was then dismissed by the court.
The trial centres around allegations against Combs, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and the transportation of individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
The accusations stem from a broader investigation into Combs’ alleged orchestration of events known as “freak offs”, private parties where participants claim they were exploited and abused.
Combs has denied all wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Jury selection is still underway, with the court aiming to finalise a panel of 45 jurors by Tuesday May 7. So far, 35 candidates have been qualified.
The selection process has revealed a number of strong reactions from the public, some citing prior opinions of the music industry, others questioning their ability to remain unbiased.
Combs, 54, is currently being held in a federal detention centre in Brooklyn, awaiting the start of the full trial. Judge Subramanian has turned a blind eye to Diddy’s defense team’s relentless requests for bail, insisting on keeping the celeb locked up, despite promises of restricting his interactions with women and the general public.
Among those expected to give evidence is his former partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who has previously filed a civil lawsuit against Combs and is anticipated to be a key witness.
The Judge ruled that video evidence of Diddy getting physical with her is admissible as evidence. Ventura, famed for her bop “Me and U”, will take the stand using her given name.
The trial is being closely watched both in the United States and internationally, as the allegations involve one of hip hop’s most recognisable figures — a man who, for decades, cultivated a reputation as a businessman and cultural tastemaker.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
