The federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs began Monday morning in Lower Manhattan with a lighthearted moment from the bench. Judge Arun Subramanian opened the proceedings with a joke about the many nicknames Combs has used over the years and compared the lengthy jury questionnaire to the expansive world of The Lord of the Rings.
As jury selection got underway, the judge drew a comparison between the vast list of potential jurors and the lengthy case questionnaire to J.R.R. Tolkien’s complex fantasy novels. Jury selection is expected to take several days due to the number of candidates and challenges expected from both the defense and prosecution.
Combs arrived at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse wearing formal attire, including a sweater over a collared shirt and reading glasses. He appeared with a full gray beard and matching hair. The judge had previously granted Combs’ request to wear civilian clothing during the trial rather than jail-issued attire. He was given a limited list of items to choose from, and the music mogul—known for his distinctive style—appeared accordingly.
Judge Subramanian also acknowledged the multiple names the defendant has used professionally. “Also known as Puff Daddy, Diddy, other names … and Love,” he said, referring to Combs’ legal name change in 2018 when he adopted “Love” as his middle name.
The judge emphasized that Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains presumed innocent. He also addressed both legal teams regarding potential privacy concerns that may arise during testimony. These matters, he said, would be discussed in sidebar sessions. Subramanian estimated the trial could last up to eight weeks.
Combs is represented by a legal team of eight attorneys, whose lineup was finalized last week. He currently faces five charges: one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; one count of transportation with intent to engage in prostitution; and one count of racketeering conspiracy. Two additional charges were filed in April 2025—one for sex trafficking and one for transportation for prostitution—bringing the total to five.
Judge Subramanian briefly referenced the high-profile Ghislaine Maxwell case, noting similarities between the charges she faced and those Combs is now confronting. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for crimes related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
TMZ will continue to provide full coverage of the trial as it unfolds. Stay tuned for ongoing updates.
