In a major legal development, Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music industry icon known for building Bad Boy Records and catapulting stars like Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher to fame, is now facing some of the most serious criminal charges of his career. Ahead of his highly anticipated trial set to begin May 5 in New York City federal court, his legal team has submitted draft jury questionnaires that delve into prospective jurors’ views on controversial and emotionally charged topics.
According to filings, potential jurors will be asked their opinions on crimes such as sex trafficking, drug distribution, kidnapping, arson, forced labor, bribery, obstruction of justice, and prostitution. The intent is to determine whether any of these topics could affect a juror’s ability to remain neutral and objective during what is expected to be a deeply disturbing and high-profile case.
Sean Combs, 55, has been charged with five federal criminal counts, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2024, Combs abused his power and influence to carry out a pattern of sexual exploitation. They claim that his entertainment empire concealed a far darker reality—one involving physical abuse, coerced sexual acts, and elaborate cover-ups.
According to the draft documents, jurors are being prepared for graphic and potentially unsettling evidence. The trial is expected to feature videos and photographs involving sexually explicit content, physical violence, and disturbing imagery. This includes alleged footage from so-called “freak-offs”—performances involving women and male sex workers that were sometimes recorded and occurred across state lines.
One particularly troubling incident cited by prosecutors occurred in March 2016. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Combs kicking, dragging, and throwing a vase at a woman who was trying to leave a Los Angeles hotel room. Such incidents are being used to paint a picture of a man who prosecutors say maintained a public persona of success and glamour while hiding abusive behavior behind closed doors.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Combs has entered a not-guilty plea on all counts. His legal team is preparing for an aggressive defense, and the detailed jury questionnaires suggest they are expecting a fierce courtroom battle. By gauging jurors’ responses to topics like sex trafficking and abuse, they hope to weed out anyone whose biases could hurt Combs’ chances at a fair trial.
This case is likely to dominate headlines in the coming weeks—not just because of the severity of the allegations, but because of who Combs is. A cultural figure who once defined the sound and style of a generation is now at the center of a legal firestorm that could define the rest of his life.
As jury selection begins and the trial unfolds, the world will be watching. For fans, legal experts, and the music industry alike, the question remains: will Diddy be vindicated—or will the courtroom reveal a shocking truth hidden behind the fame?
