The highly anticipated federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs kicked off today with a mix of seriousness and humor. Judge Arun Subramanian set the tone by light-heartedly referencing Diddy’s various nicknames over the years, drawing a comparison to the extensive list of potential jurors to the lengthy “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Diddy, clad in a sharp suit and reading glasses, arrived at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. The judge had granted his request to wear civilian attire to the trial, showcasing his signature style even in the courtroom.
During the proceedings, Judge Subramanian acknowledged Diddy’s multiple monikers, including Puff Daddy, Diddy, and Love (following a legal name change to Love in 2018). Emphasizing Diddy’s plea of not guilty to all charges, the judge highlighted the presumption of innocence.
With jury selection presenting challenges for both the defense and prosecution, the trial is expected to span several weeks. Subramanian addressed potential privacy concerns in testimony, assuring that any issues would be handled through sidebar discussions.
Diddy is supported by a team of eight attorneys as he faces three initial charges, including sex trafficking by force, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Additional charges were added in April 2025, bringing the total to five.
Drawing a parallel to the high-profile Ghislaine Maxwell case, the judge briefly mentioned the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for similar offenses. The trial’s duration is estimated at around 8 weeks, with TMZ committed to providing comprehensive coverage and updates throughout.
Stay tuned for further developments and insights into the Diddy trial as it unfolds. Visit our platform regularly for in-depth coverage and answers to all your questions on this high-profile legal saga.
