Sean “Diddy” Combs is gearing up to stand trial on Monday, May 5, which happens to fall on the same day as the Met Gala fundraiser at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The 55-year-old music tycoon has been in custody since September 2024 following his arrest in New York after a grand jury issued indictments against him. The charges include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the decision to proceed with what they perceive as an unjust prosecution. He emphasized that while Diddy is not without flaws, he is not a criminal. Agnifilo pointed out Diddy’s full cooperation with the investigation and his proactive relocation to New York in preparation for the charges. He urged people to refrain from passing judgment until all the facts are known, asserting that Diddy is an innocent individual eager to prove his innocence in court.
Before the United States vs. Combs trial begins, Us Weekly explains the main players in the legal process, including the judge, the lawyers and the jury — and what role all these components will play in the upcoming trial:
The Judge
Arun Subramanian is the presiding judge on the United States vs. Combs trial. A judge’s main role in a trial involving a jury is to make sure everything proceeds in a fair and legal way. The judge is also responsible for managing the evidence and informing and instructing the jury about relevant legal frameworks so they are empowered to reach a verdict in the case.
According to NBC News, Subramanian has been on the federal bench for approximately two years and the Diddy trial is believed to be his highest profile trial yet.
The Jury
Jury selection is expected to begin on May 5, with opening statements expected on Monday, May 12. From the 100s of New York residents called for jury duty, a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates will ultimately be chosen to take part in the trial.
Ahead of selection, potential jury members will be questioned on their views on everything from sex, drug use, fame and music taste.
According to TMZ, there are 30 questions in the jury questionnaire, with one reading: “There may be evidence in this case about people engaging in sexual relations with multiple sexual partners. Would hearing about that type of evidence be difficult for you?”
Another question reads: “Do you believe that wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not?”
The outlet reported that there is a question asking whether potential jurors have opinions about the “hip hop rap music industry or artists in that genre?” The questionnaire allegedly asks potential jurors whether they have “personal experiences or opinions about drug or alcohol use or addiction.”
Diddy’s Lawyers
Heading up the lead prosecution team is Marc Antony Agnifilo. The veteran criminal defense lawyer is well versed in controversial cases, having represented NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere and “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli among others in the past. Agnifilo is joined by Teny Geragos (who has experience in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct), and Alexandra Shapiro.
The team also includes Brian Steel, known for representing rapper Young Thug in Georgia’s longest running trial. He was the subject of a profile in the New Yorker in April.
“Brian doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, and can’t believe anybody would,” David Botts told the outlet. “He won’t curse, even in court — even if he’s reading from a transcript. So when he’s cross-examining he’ll say, ‘So-and-so F-word.’ The court will say, ‘Mr. Steel, you can read that word.’ But Brian still won’t do it.”
Botts also told the outlet that Steel “only drinks water” and “brings a toothbrush to court.”
Prosecution’s Lawyers
The team of attorneys arguing for the prosecution side include Maurene Ryan Comey, Emily Anne Johnson, Madison Reddick Smyser, Mary Christine Slavik, Meredith Foster and Mitzi Steiner. Comey is known for her work in helping to secure a conviction against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell for conspiring with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
