The court has also shut down a recent motion under Local Rule 23.1, signaling tight control over the case’s proceedings. Diddy, a music icon known for shaping hip-hop culture, faces charges that could alter his legacy forever: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. These allegations, spanning from 2004 to 2024, carry the weight of a potential life sentence if he’s convicted.
The trial, held in New York’s Southern District under Judge Arun Subramanian, has gripped public attention due to Combs’ fame and the gravity of the charges. Jury selection, which began on May 5, 2025, has been a tough process. Nearly 100 potential jurors were narrowed to 45 by May 7, with 19 deemed qualified so far. The goal is to finalize 12 jurors and six alternates, but Combs’ celebrity status complicates finding impartial candidates. Many jurors already know of him, his music, or the widely publicized 2016 hotel surveillance video showing him assaulting singer Cassie Ventura, which the court has admitted as evidence. To ensure fairness, juror questioning happens privately, keeping the process out of public view.
On March 8, 2025, Judge Subramanian issued an order referencing Local Rule 23.1, which governs extrajudicial statements and jury impartiality. The order terminated a motion filed at ECF No. 319, though details remain unavailable, likely due to sealed filings. This move underscores the court’s focus on maintaining a fair trial amid intense media scrutiny. Earlier, in November 2024, the judge cited the same rule to deny a gag order, showing consistent enforcement of courtroom discipline.
The case has seen other key developments. On May 1, 2025, Combs rejected a plea deal, a decision confirmed in court the next day, paving the way for the trial. On April 18, 2025, the defense’s request to delay the trial was denied, keeping the schedule intact. Opening statements are slated for May 12, 2025, with the trial expected to stretch for months. Alleged victims, possibly including those from related civil lawsuits, are set to testify, adding to the case’s complexity.
Public access to the trial is limited, with no courtroom video allowed, leaving updates to media reports and social platforms. This aligns with the challenge of balancing transparency with juror impartiality in such a high-profile case. The charges detail disturbing allegations, including claims of coerced “freakoff” events involving drugs and exploitation, which have fueled public debate about Combs’ persona versus the accusations.
