As jury selection approaches in the federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, both prosecutors and defense attorneys have submitted proposed voir dire questions that probe deeply into potential jurors’ beliefs and personal experiences with sensitive subjects including sex, drugs, celebrity culture, and hip-hop.
The proposed questions—filed Friday ahead of jury selection, which begins May 5 in New York—aim to assess jurors’ impartiality in a high-profile case involving allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution.
According to court filings, prospective jurors may be asked about their views on issues such as intimate partner violence, sexual relationships involving multiple partners, substance abuse, and cheating in relationships. Questions may also explore attitudes toward prostitution, illegal drug distribution, and law enforcement.
“The defendant in this case is a wealthy celebrity,” notes the defense’s filing, which includes a proposed question about whether jurors believe “wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not.”
Diddy’s legal team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, is also requesting the court inquire whether jurors have personal experiences or opinions regarding drug and alcohol use, trauma, sexual behavior, or the fairness of the criminal justice system. At a recent hearing, Agnifilo likened Combs to a “swinger,” while reiterating that all of Combs’ sexual encounters were consensual.
Meanwhile, prosecutors are asking for questions to evaluate jurors’ exposure to topics such as sex trafficking, commercial sex work, and their views on firearms and digital surveillance. Their filing references past federal searches of Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami, emphasizing the legality of those investigations and asking whether such searches would influence a juror’s judgment.
Jurors may also be questioned about their familiarity with specific TV shows and media, such as Law and Order or CSI, as well as their news and podcast consumption habits. The filings also mention that some witnesses may testify under pseudonyms, including alleged victims—though Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who has filed a separate lawsuit against him, will testify using her real name.
Witnesses in the case may testify under immunity, and jurors are expected to be cautioned not to assume guilt by association with other individuals mentioned during the proceedings who are not on trial.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges and remains in federal custody in New York City.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
