Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal intercourse trafficking trial hit a snag this week as prosecutors admitted they might not be capable to safe testimony from certainly one of their central witnesses, elevating questions concerning the energy of their case simply as jury choice will get underway.
Diddy, going through a five-count indictment in Manhattan federal courtroom, together with intercourse trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, is accused of orchestrating a two-decade sample of coercion, abuse and compelled intercourse acts.
Nevertheless, prosecutors revealed in courtroom that “Sufferer No. 3,” a girl thought-about essential to their case, could not take the stand.
The girl, who lives exterior the New York space, has expressed hesitation about showing in courtroom regardless of being subpoenaed. Prosecutors say they’ve struggled to achieve each her and her lawyer, prompting Decide Arun Subramanian to instruct them to make diligent efforts to attach with the girl’s lawyer and guarantee her presence.
Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey instructed the courtroom they’d not reference the girl’s particular allegations throughout opening statements.
As a substitute, she mentioned, they’d confer with her solely as certainly one of a number of alleged victims and revisit her story later within the trial if she turns into out there.
Diddy’s’ protection workforce pushed again, asking the choose to compel prosecutors to make clear their plans for the witness by the tip of the week. They argued that the uncertainty might have an effect on their capability to organize an efficient protection.
Jury choice started Might 5 with roughly 150 potential jurors present process particular person questioning.
The trial, which is predicted to stretch over a number of months, will not be being televised as a result of federal courtroom guidelines that ban digital recordings.
Diddy Tells Decide He’s “Nervous” Throughout Trial
Diddy has pleaded not responsible and turned down a plea deal supplied shortly earlier than the trial started.
He appeared visibly anxious throughout jury choice, telling the choose, “I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a bit nervous at the moment.”
Among the many proof prosecutors plan to current is a 2016 lodge surveillance video that allegedly exhibits Diddy assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Prosecutors additionally accuse him of organizing so-called “Freak Offs,” described in courtroom paperwork as drug-fueled intercourse events involving intercourse staff and manipulation ways.
Decide Subramanian has already denied Diddy’s’ request to delay the trial and dominated that knowledgeable testimony on “coercive management” will probably be restricted.
Regardless of widespread media protection and viral movies involving Diddy, the choose decided that almost all potential jurors might stay neutral.
Opening statements are anticipated as soon as jury choice concludes.
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