The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, disgraced-rapper accused of sexual assault, trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, and other charges, began Monday morning (US time) in New York. As part of the initial stages of the court proceedings, 150 potential jurors were asked to fill a questionnaire pertaining to their knowledge of the former top music exec and other issues related to sexual assault and law enforcement.
The formal procedure also required them to take a look at a list of at least 190 celebrities and public figures, including A-lister like Sinners actor Michael B Jordan, Kanye West, Kid Cudi and Mike Myers, according to Variety. Other names also include Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams, actor Lauren London, singer Dawn Richard, singer-producer Dallas Austin and Combs’ family members.
Judge Arun Subramanian compared this list to an “appendix from Lord of the Rings.” While it was handed out during jury selection to test which names potential jurors could recognise, these celebrities’ relation to the Diddy trial remains unclear despite the rapper’s prior heavily star-studded notorious parties.
Cassie Ventura to testify as the star witness of the Diddy trial
In April, it was made clear that Combs’ ex-girlfriend Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura was ready to testify against him after Rolling Stone confirmed her to be “Victim-1,” as listed in official documents. Other victims taking the stand in the trial that is expected to be no less than eight weeks-long have yet to be identified. The hip-hop mogul has been in legal turmoil since 2023, with over 70 lawsuits levelling allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Cassie’s case is one such high-profile inclusion in the mix. Diddy’s then-partner filed a civil lawsuit against him in November 2023, accusing him of repeated physical abuse that is said to have continued for more than a decade. The newly commenced trial brings back a 2016 footage that wasn’t publicly released until last year. The surveillance video offers visual proof of the Revolt founder viciously attacking Ventura in a now-closed hotel lobby.
Although a significant fraction of potential jurors surprisingly indicated that they didn’t know any of the names in the celebrity-stacked list, some came forward about their previous exposure to news reports related to the hotel footage. A woman juror, who referred to a still from the video as “damning evidence,” was excused.
Kanye West dragged into Diddy trial
In addition to Cassie’s mentions, the MailOnline reported that a scientist in his 40s, serving as a potential juror, acknowledged knowing Combs’ equally controversial musical peer, Kanye West. Despite his confirmed awareness of the Yeezy boss, the man firmly told the court that he would judge the case without bias.
Even though West hasn’t been directly roped into the trial and remains elusive of any charges in this case, he has been vocally supportive of Diddy. Going as far as professing his brotherly love for the accused rapper in questionable social media posts, Kanye event shared word about his fashion partnership with the Bad Boy Records boss.
Kid Cudi and Michael B Jordan name-dropped, here’s why
Furthermore, prosecutors believe that Combs firebombed rapper Kid Cudi’s car — as has also been alluded to in Cassie’s November 2023 lawsuit. The alleged incident followed Ventura being briefly romantically involved with Cudi during her troubled connection with Diddy in 2011. The accused music mogul is also believed to have lunged at his former girlfriend with a corkscrew after becoming “enraged” over the whole issue.
Michael B Jordan’s name has reportedly been dragged into the trial over a similar reason as the Black Panther star went on a date with Cassie in 2015, which again reportedly upset Combs. A source familiar with the case told Variety that Jordan will not be a witness.
Jury selection is scheduled to conclude on May 12. Charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs span two decades. Even though he has denied all allegations, the ‘Bad Boy for Life’ is facing five counts–one for racketeering, two for sex trafficking and two for transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could be sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.