Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs raised his hand in court and made an apology to the judge as the music mogul faced the first day of jury selection in his upcoming sex trafficking trial
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs had a moment of vulnerability in the courtroom, apologising to the judge with his hand up.
Combs faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. The 55-year-old vehemently denies all the claims against him. He has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September.
He snubbed a plea bargain on May 1, choosing instead to face the jury, with selection underway and opening statements slated for May 12. The 12 men and women are set to hear evidence that could put him away for life, including allegations he drugged and abused victims during drug-fuelled sex parties dubbed “freak offs”.
As the court session unfolded this week, Diddy’s lawyers requested a bathroom break. When the judge asked if they could press on, Diddy put his hand up and confessed: “I’m sorry your honor,” before revealing, “I’m a little nervous today.”
As potential jurors rocked up, one made a statement dressed head-to-toe in Diddy gear. The fan’s get-up was all black, topped off with a hat and hoodie sporting “Free Puff.”
Meanwhile, Diddy cut a more subdued figure in a dress shirt, jumper, and reading glasses.
Before things got going, the judge laid down the law about Diddy’s clothes, after allowing him to wear street clothes instead of his prison uniform to prevent any bias from the jury based on his appearance.
Before the trial hits full stride, Judge Subramanian has laid down some crucial decisions. He’s turned a blind eye to Diddy’s defense team’s relentless requests for bail, insisting on keeping the celeb locked up in Brooklyn despite promises of restricting his interactions with women and the general public.
In an unexpected twist, Diddy’s ex-partner Cassie Ventura is prepped to testify against him, especially after Judge Subramanian 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.
Contrary to what many might have thought, Diddy’s family was a no-show in the courtroom – his mum Janice Combs and two of his seven children, Chance and Christian “King” Combs, were nowhere to be seen, despite expectations they would be there to support him.
With opening statements penciled in for May 12, some say his family are saving their courthouse cameos for the main event.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
