Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Rapper admits to judge he’s a “little nervous”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs told the judge he was a “little nervous” on the first day of his sex trafficking trial.
On May 5th, jury selection for Combs’ New York trial began, in which he is accused of five counts of sex trafficking, racketeering, and sexual abuse by a number of both men and women.
During the selection hearing, NBC reported that Combs’ defence team asked the judge for a short bathroom break, to which the former hip-hop mogul responded: “I’m sorry, your honour, I’m a little nervous today.”
The allegations against Combs were sparked in November 2023 when his former girlfriend Cassie, real name Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit against him for sexual abuse over the period of their relationship, lasting a decade.
Since then, Combs has been accused of similar and prolific abuse in dozens of other civil lawsuits, including by those who say they were children at the time he abused them. Combs denies all charges against him.
He was arrested in September 2024 and has since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, while awaiting trial.
Once the jury has been selected, the first initial statements are expected to be heard on May 12th, although all jurors will remain anonymous throughout the eight-week trial.
It comes despite the fact that Combs’ legal team attempted to delay the trial for up to two months in order for them to prepare a defence for the rapper’s latest two charges, which were added to the case in an indictment in April. This request was not granted.
Combs vehemently denies all the accusations against him, stating previously on social media that he “did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
The trial continues.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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