Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently accused of sex trafficking as well as abuse and the opening statements of his federal trial in Manhattan have proceeded towards initiation.
Striking off of potential jurors:
Diddy’s lawyers have accused the prosecutors of the case for striking more Black potential jurors than any other representation.
This came after Judge Arun Subramanian read out the list of potential jurors, to which Marc Agnifilo, the lawyer for the disgraced music mogul noted, “The US struck 7 Black people, which amounts to a pattern.”
However, the Associated Press revealed that the assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey then gave reasons to explain why prosecutors struck each prospective juror from the jury.
Judge’s late arrival:
The judge for Diddy’s trial, Judge Subramanian entered the Manhattan court just before 9:40 a.m., which was over an hour behind schedule as jury selection was scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
However, both parties involved in the legal proceedings have now started striking jurors from the pool.
The Washington Post reported eventually, the jury will consist of 12 jurors, 6 alternates and in an unusual move, an extra three potential alternates, most probably in case someone decides to drop out over the course of the trial, which would span over eight weeks.
Diddy’s family shows up for support:
Sean “Diddy” Combs was supported by seven of his children as well as his mother, Janice Combs, all of whom were pictured walking into the Manhattan courthouse.
His eldest son, Justin, led his pack of siblings into the courthouse as all of them arrived holding each other’s hands.
Diddy’s reaction:
According to the Washington Post, the rapper himself entered the courtroom just before 9 a.m. and gave an enthusiastic greeting to his relatives and legal team.
He could be seen hugging and shaking hands with his legal team and then blew a kiss to his relatives.
