NEW YORK — Jury selection for Sean Combs’ trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering has been postponed until Monday. This follows extensive questioning of potential jurors by prosecutors from the Southern District of New York alongside Combs’ legal team throughout the week.
Both U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian and defense attorneys expressed concerns that jurors might reconsider their involvement over the weekend, prompting the delay. The court aims to finalize a jury of 12 members and six alternates from a pool of 43 remaining candidates. The selection process will resume Monday morning, with opening statements slated to begin around 9:30 a.m.
Judge Subramanian emphasized the importance of keeping the trial on schedule, which is anticipated to last about eight weeks. A key witness, referred to in court as Victim-1, is expected to testify early in the proceedings. While the witness has not been officially named, it is widely understood to be Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, who is reportedly several months pregnant with their third child.
At 55, Combs expressed anxiety regarding the trial, facing the possibility of 15 years to life in prison if convicted on five counts that include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September arrest.
During jury selection, Combs was visibly engaged, often consulting with his attorneys. He reacted with disapproval when a juror mentioned viewing a recent documentary about him and shared a laugh when another juror admitted to struggling with the idea of going through the trial without marijuana. He appeared supportive of some candidates, including a woman with a minor legal history.
Defense attorneys sought to maintain a 38-year-old juror from the Bronx, despite the juror’s acknowledgment of past grievances against law enforcement due to previous encounters with police. This prospective juror remains in contention for final selection by the court.
It has proven challenging to find jurors free of prior exposure to the allegations against Combs. Both the prosecution and defense have raised flags regarding candidates who seem overly eager to participate in this high-profile case. Many potential jurors admitted to having seen video footage of a 2016 incident in which Combs allegedly assaulted Ventura, drawing significant public interest.
The prosecution has characterized Combs’ business empire as a “criminal enterprise,” purportedly engaging in physical violence and coercion to satisfy Combs’ alleged sexual desires. Claims allege that two former girlfriends, including Ventura, were trafficked between 2009 and 2024.
Combs continues to vehemently deny all allegations, asserting that he has never engaged in or facilitated any form of sexual abuse or trafficking.
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