The defense would like the court to ask potential jurors about their personal experiences or opinions about drug or alcohol use, substance addiction; whether evidence about cheating on girlfriends or boyfriends would affect their ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror; and whether hearing about “people engaging in sexual relations with multiple sexual partners” would be difficult. Aside from standard questions like a juror’s age, place of residence, year of birth, occupation and educational background, prospective jurors could also be asked if they’ve had prior sexual assault, sexual harassment or domestic violence training, as well as whether they have ever been through a traumatic event, their sources for news, what podcasts they listen to and what television programs they watch, according to the filings. The prosecution’s proposed questions included whether jurors watch “Law and Order,” “CSI” or any other police dramas. “You may hear evidence in this case relating to acts of violence, including intimate partner violence and other assaults,” the prosecution’s filing states. “Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to that aspect of the case that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case?” Prosecutors also want the court to ask about paying commercial sex workers in exchange for sex; sex trafficking; personal feeling towards law enforcement; the distribution and use of illegal drugs and firearms.
The jury pool in the Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial could be asked about their views on sex with multiple partners, drugs and hip-hop, among other topics. Proposed questions for the voir dire process, which is set to begin in New York next week, were filed by both federal prosecutors and Combs' defense team on Friday. Examination regarding potential jurors' feelings, beliefs or experiences related to topics like intimate partner violence, cheating in a relationship, prostitution, the distribution of illegal drugs and the music industry were among topics covered in the proposals, according to the filings.
Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, is facing multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse from 1990 to 2023 at high-profile events like the VMAs and his “White Party.” Allegations include drugging women and assaulting minors, sometimes with other celebrities like Jay-Z—claims both men strongly deny. Diddy’s lawyers say he “never sexually assaulted anyone” and call the lawsuits “clear attempts to garner publicity.” Jury selection for his trial in New York starts next week. Jurors will be asked about their views on topics like cheating, drugs, prostitution, and celebrity culture. One proposed question asks if “wealthy people get away with things the less wealthy do not.” The lawsuits began after his ex Cassie Ventura accused him of rape and trafficking. Most plaintiffs remain anonymous, though one $30 million suit was filed by former producer Rodney Jones, who claims Diddy ran a criminal ring involving drugs, minors, and sex workers.