Jury selection for Sean Combs's federal criminal trial began this week in Lower Manhattan. Opening statements from prosecutors and Mr. Combs's lawyers are scheduled for Monday. The trial, held at the Federal District Court, is expected to last eight weeks.
Mr. Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The government accuses him of sex trafficking three women, controlling their lives through violence, financial payments, and drugs. Prosecutors allege these incidents included drug-fueled sex marathons called "freak-offs."
Mr. Combs's legal team argues the events were consensual encounters. A key dispute is the 2016 incident involving Casandra Ventura (Cassie), where surveillance footage shows Mr. Combs assaulting her. Prosecutors claim this is evidence of sex trafficking, while Mr. Combs's lawyers say it was part of a troubled relationship and not sex trafficking.
Cassie is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution. The government also plans to call other alleged victims and former employees to testify. Mr. Combs's lawyers are expected to challenge Cassie's credibility, suggesting she sought financial gain through a lawsuit settled for an eight-figure payment.
If convicted, Mr. Combs could face a life sentence. He also faces over 50 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, which he vehemently denies.