A jury of 12 on a regular basis New Yorkers — eight males and 4 ladies — had been seated Monday within the federal intercourse trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, paving the way in which for opening statements within the proceedings anticipated to final not less than eight weeks.
The group whittled down from a pool of 45 certified potential jurors after questioning started final week.
These chosen vary from ages 30 to 74, and stay in numerous New York Metropolis neighborhoods throughout Manhattan and the Bronx, in addition to neighboring Westchester County. Additionally they come from varied professions: an funding analyst, a doctor assistant, a therapeutic massage therapist and a deli clerk.
ombs’ superstar standing as an entrepreneur and rap mogul with a prolific three-decade profession has been unavoidable in a trial that has drawn intense protection following his arrest in September.
The jurors had been additionally requested about their hobbies and musical tastes, with a few of the youthful jurors of their 30s and 40s saying they hearken to hip-hop and R&B music — genres which are carefully related to Combs.
As well as, a number of of the jurors have mentioned they had been already aware of a key piece of proof within the trial: video of Combs assaulting the singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, his ex-girlfriend, in a Los Angeles resort hallway in 2016.
In the end, the group will probably be tasked with deciding whether or not Combs, 55, is responsible of 5 felony counts: one rely of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of intercourse trafficking by drive, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to interact in prostitution. He has pleaded not responsible.
This is what to find out about the principle 12 jurors:
Juror No. 2: A 69-year-old male from Manhattan who works as an actor and therapeutic massage therapist. He listens to classical, jazz and rock music, and his hobbies embody music, theater, biking and climbing.
Juror No. 5: A 31-year-old male from Manhattan who works as an funding analyst. He performs sports activities and video video games.
Juror No. 25: A 51-year-old male from Manhattan who has a Ph.D. in molecular biology and neuroscience. He listens to classical music and opera, and his hobbies embody artwork, science, cooking and the outside.
Juror No. 28: A 30-year-old feminine from the Bronx working as a deli clerk. She listens to hip-hop and reggaeton, and reads and performs video video games.
Juror No. 55: A 42-year-old feminine from Manhattan who’s an aide in a nursing residence. She likes to cook dinner and paint, and watch “Harry Potter” and Disney films.
Juror No. 58: A 41-year-old male from the Bronx who works in communications at a correctional facility. He listens to reggaeton and ‘90s hip-hop, and his hobbies embody sports activities and fantasy soccer.
Juror No. 75: A 68-year-old male from Westchester County who’s retired from a financial institution. He listens to Indian music and performs cricket and volleyball.
Juror No. 116: A 68-year-old male from Westchester County who’s retired from working at telecommunications firm. He listens to rock music, and likes to bowl and golf.
Juror No. 160: A 43-year-old feminine from Westchester County who works as a doctor assistant. She listens to R&B and hip-hop, and she or he dances.
Juror No. 184: A 39-year-old male from the Bronx who’s a social employee. He listens to R&B and common music from West Africa, and in addition watches sports activities.
Juror No. 201: A 67-year-old male from Westchester County who works as a logistics analyst. His hobbies embody woodworking and bike-riding.
Juror No. 217: A 74-year-old feminine from Manhattan who works as a therapy coordinator. She listens to classical music and likes to journey.
As well as, six alternate jurors had been chosen. The 4 males and two ladies vary in age from 24 to 71.
Earlier Monday, attorneys mentioned which potential jurors they wished rejected from the jury pool as a part of jury choice.
Federal prosecutors will start making an attempt to show Monday that Sean “Diddy” Combs turned his hip-hop conglomerate right into a racketeering enterprise that compelled ladies to fulfill his sexual wishes for twenty years. NBC New York’s Romney Smith experiences.
Combs’ protection lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, had prompt prosecutors had been putting Black jurors, “which leads to a pattern.” Doing so primarily based solely on race can be unconstitutional.
Prosecutors, nonetheless, went on to elucidate why they refused sure potential jurors, together with that some had voiced favorable opinions of individuals concerned within the trial or referred negatively to police.
Choose Arun Subramanian denied the protection’s movement.
When you or somebody you realize is experiencing home violence, contact the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
