Might 6, 2025
The assertion shared extra perception into how Combs was feeling as he begins his trial.
Sean “Diddy” Combs started the primary day of his federal trial on Might 5 in New York Metropolis. Showing earlier than a choose for jury choice, Combs made an sudden nine-word assertion because the high-profile case bought underway.
“I’m sorry, your honor, I’m just a little nervous at the moment,” Combs advised U.S. District Choose Arun Subramanian, as reported by NBC Information.
Earlier than his transient comment, Combs had leaned on the voice of his protection crew to convey his ideas throughout the pre-trial course of. The information supply additionally reported that his assertion was made in response to his attorneys requesting a “fast toilet break.”
Nonetheless, Choose Subramanian steered that they wait, as a substitute stating, “I’m a machine.”
His insistence led to Combs talking up.
The primary day included the name-dropping of a number of A-list celebrities, equivalent to Michael Jordan and Kanye West. Nonetheless, they weren’t suspected of any crimes surrounding this case, however had been used to gauge jurors’ information of who they’re and their capacity to stay neutral.
The Related Press stories that “three dozen” potential jurors had been questioned about their potential biases on the case. Round half had been dismissed throughout the first day.
Opening statements are anticipated to start subsequent week as jury choice continues. In response to the AP, Combs appeared heat to his protection crew, hugging and shaking palms together with his legal professional, Teny Geragos. Nonetheless, his look has remarkably modified since his indictment and arrest final September.
The disgraced media mogul wore a sweater over a white collared shirt and grey slacks. His hair and goatee had been distinctively grey. Nonetheless, the grayness was unsurprising, on condition that hair dye was not allowed in jail.
A minimum of one high-profile witness will take the stand within the case. Combs’ accuser and former accomplice, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, was beforehand announced to testify throughout the trial. Nonetheless, when precisely she’s going to seem in courtroom stays unknown.
The federal choose goals to pick 12 jurors and 6 alternates inside three days. The trial can be anticipated to final eight weeks. Combs’ legal professional’s father, high-profile protection lawyer Mark Geragos, was additionally current. He’ll reportedly serve unofficially, providing steerage to Combs’ authorized crew throughout the jury choice.
“Can’t I simply watch my daughter? I’m a helicopter mum or dad,” cheekily acknowledged the elder Geragos as he entered courtroom.
Combs stands accused of varied crimes, together with intercourse trafficking, arson, bribery, pressured labor, and kidnapping. Combs has pleaded not responsible to the allegations, even rejecting a plea deal as his extremely anticipated trial comes into fruition.
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