Checklist of almost 200 celebrities handed to potential jurors as Diddy’s trial begins

Juror choice is underway for the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and one of many issues potential jurors are being requested about is their information of varied celebrities.

The trial for the rapper begins right this moment (5 Might) with jury choice and it is a course of that might take a number of days as he’s such a excessive profile person who those that will in the end judge whether or not he’s harmless or responsible should be vetted.

A jury is meant to be neutral, however earlier than getting into the courtroom many potential jurors may have heard particulars about Diddy which may have resulted in them already making their minds up earlier than listening to arguments and proof in court docket.

Combs faces 5 counts, considered one of racketeering, two costs of intercourse trafficking by drive, fraud, or coercion and two counts of transportation to interact in prostitution.

He has denied the costs towards him and maintained that he’s harmless.

Selection reports that about 150 potential jurors are at present going by way of the choice course of.

Potential jurors have been filling out questionnaires which can be alleged to measure their prior information of Diddy, their opinions on regulation enforcement and whether or not they have been the victims of sexual assault.

Any juror wishing to debate delicate issues has the choice to talk privately to the choose, court docket reporter and attorneys.

One other a part of the vetting course of for potential jurors is them being handed a listing of at the very least 190 celebrities and being requested to mark those they recognise.

In line with Selection, the likes of Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Mike Myers and Child Cudi are on this record, and it’s unclear how the names of the celebrities on the lengthy record relate to the trial.

Additionally on the record are Michelle Williams, Lauren London, Daybreak Richard, Dallas Austin and varied members of Diddy’s household, amongst dozens of different names.

Some potential jurors have mentioned they’ve seen information reviews a few key piece of proof within the trial, a 2016 video exhibiting Diddy kicking considered one of his accusers in a resort in Los Angeles.

The rapper’s attorneys had tried to get this video, which was launched final 12 months by CNN, thrown out as a chunk of proof however failed to take action because the choose mentioned the video’s ‘relevance to the case outweighs any potential prejudice to Combs’.

One potential juror mentioned they’d seen a part of the video and regarded it to be ‘damning proof’ towards Diddy, she was rejected for consideration in consequence.

Jury choice is ongoing to whittle down the 150 potential choices into the group that might be requested to ship the decision on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, opening statements from the prosecution and defence will not be anticipated till subsequent week.

If discovered responsible, he may spend the remainder of his life behind bars.