Because the explosive federal intercourse trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues in Manhattan, the destiny of one in all hip-hop’s most iconic figures now lies within the fingers of a various jury of 12 New Yorkers, ranging in age from 30 to 74.
With opening testimony already revealing harrowing allegations from former accomplice Cassie Ventura, the jurors shall be requested to weigh damning prices that span a long time and shake the very basis of Combs’ huge enterprise empire.
Already, Ventura has delivered chilling testimony describing the alleged violence and coercion she endured.
“He would … knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me within the head,” Ventura informed the court docket.
She additionally described “freak-offs” — occasions she stated Combs orchestrated wherein she was pressured to interact in sexual acts with escorts below his management. Her account marks the primary in what prosecutors counsel shall be a protracted line of testimony detailing a sample of abuse and management.
Nevertheless, authorized specialists have already expressed concern that Combs hasn’t been charged with home violence, which has been the early theme of prosecutors.
Combs, 55, was indicted final yr on three federal counts: racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking by pressure, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. If convicted, he faces as much as life in jail.
The indictment paints Combs because the ringleader of a prison enterprise that engaged in intercourse trafficking, pressured labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice from 2008 to the current.
Federal prosecutors accuse him of leveraging his wealth, superstar, and community of staff to abuse ladies, management their careers, and canopy up the alleged crimes.
“For years, Sean Combs used the enterprise empire he managed to sexually abuse and exploit ladies, in addition to to commit different acts of violence and obstruction of justice,” U.S. Lawyer Damian Williams stated.
The jury chosen to resolve Combs’ destiny is as assorted as town itself, with jurors hailing from Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester. Every has a minimum of a school diploma — two maintain grasp’s levels and one a doctorate.
Their skilled backgrounds span deli clerks, therapeutic massage therapists, financial institution analysts, and scientists.
Listed here are among the jurors now tasked with deliberating one of the crucial high-profile instances in latest reminiscence:
A 69-year-old Manhattan therapeutic massage therapist who disclosed {that a} member of the family was a sufferer of home violence however assured the court docket of his impartiality.
A 31-year-old Manhattan-based funding analyst and energetic church member who acknowledged seeing the video of Combs allegedly assaulting Ventura.
A 51-year-old scientist with a doctorate in molecular biology who is simply vaguely accustomed to the case from media protection.
A 30-year-old deli clerk from the Bronx who stated she hardly ever follows the information however enjoys hip-hop and reggae.
A 42-year-old nursing dwelling aide from Manhattan who admitted to realizing in regards to the allegations however depends on word-of-mouth for information.
A 41-year-old Bronx correctional facility clerk who as soon as pleaded responsible to misdemeanor fraud however claimed he may nonetheless be a good juror.
A 68-year-old retired banker from Westchester who listens to Indian music and enjoys cricket.
One other 68-year-old retired lineman from Westchester who stated he watched Combs’ actuality present “Making the Band” and considered the Ventura video.
A 43-year-old doctor’s assistant from Westchester concerned in ladies’s advocacy and social justice theater.
A 39-year-old Bronx social employee specializing in home violence instances who additionally works as a safety guard.
A 67-year-old financial institution analyst from Westchester who has beforehand served on a hung jury in a prison case.
A 74-year-old Manhattan-based therapy coordinator who works with individuals with disabilities and holds a sociology diploma.
Six alternate jurors had been additionally chosen, although they don’t but know their standing. These embrace a 57-year-old architect, a 35-year-old unemployed former window cleaner, a 40-year-old doctor, a 71-year-old nonprofit employee, a 24-year-old website operator, and a 37-year-old administrative officer for a global group.
Whereas some jurors admitted to having seen the Ventura video or listening to particulars of the case beforehand, every assured U.S. District Decide Arun Subramanian that they may stay neutral and base their judgment solely on the proof offered in court docket.
Combs has pleaded not responsible to all prices.
