The judge in the Sean “Diddy” Combs case shall not pass up a The Lord of the Rings reference.
During the commencement of jury selection for the sex trafficking trial of the rap mogul on May 5th, the presiding judge, Judge Arun Subramanian, playfully joked about the lengthy roster of names and locations involved in the case, as reported by NBC News journalists at the Manhattan courthouse.
Just as J.R.R. Tolkien’s extensive “Lord of the Rings” novels and their lengthy movie versions might bring to mind, Subramanian humorously likened the potential individuals and locations that could appear in the trial to the sprawling fantasy universe of this epic series.
It’s not unexpected given that Combs is facing allegations of sex trafficking, prostitution, racketeering, and other related offenses. Interestingly, he has pleaded not guilty to all five charges against him.
Approximately 50 potential jurors are being interviewed, as reported by the source, but only 12 main jurors and 6 alternates will be chosen for the upcoming trial starting on May 12.
When might the jury be ready? The readiness is contingent upon gathering a sufficient number of individuals qualified to serve. However, Teny Geragos, Combs’ attorney, expressed confidence that the jurors will be selected within the next three days as stated to NBC News prior to jury selection.
However, it’s been acknowledged by those involved in the trial that the proceedings won’t be straightforward due to Diddy’s legal struggles which have been a focus of public interest for quite some time. One piece of evidence presented by prosecutors is a video from March 2016 showing the 55-year-old allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, which CNN made public in May 2024.
During the process of interviewing prospective jurors, Subramanian acknowledged, “It’s unlikely we will find a jury who hasn’t already viewed this video.
A few days following the release of the CCTV footage (which appeared to coincide with the event Ventura accused him of in a lawsuit filed in November 2023 and subsequently settled) – Combs expressed regret for his actions on Instagram, labeling his behavior as “unforgivable.
In the past, I acted in a manner that left me feeling ashamed, and I still carry that sense of disgust today. I sought professional guidance, undergoing therapy and rehabilitation to help me change my ways. I humbly asked for God’s mercy and grace, and I want to make it clear that I am deeply sorry for my actions. I’m not asking for forgiveness; I’m simply expressing my remorse. However, I am dedicated to becoming a better man every day.
As Combs’ legal battle continues to grow, his legal team has emphasized their client’s innocence.
Following the release of the footage that appeared to align with the accusations made against him by Ventura in his November 2023 lawsuit, which later led to a settlement – I, as a deeply devoted fan, can’t help but express my feelings. Days after, I found myself reflecting on the incident and felt compelled to address it. On Instagram, I publicly apologized for my unforgivable behavior, acknowledging that there is no excuse for such actions.
Back then, I did something that filled me with revulsion. Now, the feeling of disgust remains. I sought out guidance from professionals – therapy, rehabilitation were necessary steps. I humbly asked for God’s compassion and understanding. I want to express my deepest regret. I’m not asking for forgiveness; instead, I’m promising to strive for improvement each day.
As Combs’ legal battle continues to grow, his legal team has emphasized their client’s innocence.
Erica Wolff, Combs’ lawyer, explained to TopMob News last October, a month after the rapper’s arrest, that it’s impossible for him to respond to every groundless accusation due to the chaotic and irresponsible nature of the media frenzy. However, she firmly stressed that Mr. Combs unequivocally denies any claims that he has sexually abused anyone, including minors, which he considers false and damaging to his reputation.
He eagerly anticipates demonstrating his innocence and clearing his name in court once any accusations are officially presented, as he believes the facts will be determined by solid evidence rather than conjecture.
While further information about Combs’ impending trial unfolds, here’s a summary of the developments in his current legal matter.
Federal agents working under Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) carried out searches at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami on March 25, according to several sources within law enforcement who spoke with NBC News. The warrant originated from the Southern District of New York, and an HSI spokesperson in New York confirmed that they were executing search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI teams in Los Angeles, Miami, and local law enforcement partners. At the time of the searches, it was reported that Combs was in the Miami region.
News about an ongoing investigation emerged following accusations of sexual misconduct against Combs, which first surfaced in November through lawsuits filed by multiple individuals. However, Combs has vehemently denied these allegations, stating in a December Instagram post that “despicable claims have been brought against me by people seeking a financial windfall.” He emphasized, “I want to make it perfectly clear: I am innocent of the horrendous acts being alleged. I will vigorously defend my reputation, my family, and the truth.
A day after search warrants were executed at both Sean Combs’ L.A. and Miami homes, his attorney Aaron Dyer issued a statement to TopMob News, expressing concerns over the excessive use of force during the searches. “Yesterday, an unnecessary display of military-grade force was utilized while executing search warrants at Mr. Combs’ residences,” Dyer said in the March 26 statement. He criticized the authorities for their aggressive and hostile behavior towards Combs’ children and employees.
Dyer clarified that Combs himself was not detained, but instead spoke to and cooperated with the authorities. The attorney also emphasized that neither Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested or had their travel restricted in any way. Dyer referred to the searches as an “unprecedented ambush” and accused the media of a premature and biased judgment against Combs based on unfounded allegations made in civil lawsuits, likening it to a witch hunt.
And Dyer conveyed that Combs intended to maintain his innocence, stating: “So far, there’s been no determination of either criminal or civil responsibility regarding any of these accusations. Mr. Combs maintains his innocence and will persistently work every day to establish his clean name.
According to reports from numerous law enforcement officials who have knowledge of the warrants, it was found that authorities from the Department of Homeland Security confiscated phones from Combs’ Miami residence prior to his planned trip to the Bahamas. Furthermore, several individuals acquainted with the situation stated that firearms were uncovered during the search.
As a lifestyle advisor privy to the situation, I can confirm that sources close to the matter have disclosed to NBC News that four individuals – three women and one man – were questioned by investigators from the Southern District of New York regarding accusations involving sex trafficking, sexual assault, illicit drug distribution, and unlawful firearm possession. These alleged activities are said to be linked to Combs.
On the same day that search warrants were carried out at Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles, one of his associates, Brendan Paul, was apprehended by the Miami-Dade police on suspicion of drug possession. This information was shared with NBC News by a law enforcement source involved in the case. According to the arrest affidavit obtained by the news outlet, Paul was detained for allegedly possessing suspected cocaine and marijuana edibles. Prison records show that he was released on bond on March 26. In response to this development, Paul’s attorney, Brian Bieber, stated, “We do not intend to try this case in the media; all matters will be resolved in court.” In May, Paul agreed to a plea deal, with his lawyer Bieber telling People magazine, “Brendan accepted the prosecutor’s offer to allow him to participate in a diversion program. Upon completion of this program, the entire case against him will be dropped.
On September 16, 2024, as reported by NBC News, he was taken into custody in the lobby of a New York hotel. The specific charges against him are not yet known, and it’s uncertain whether his arrest is linked to any recent raids.
The lawyer for Mr. Combs expressed disappointment over the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s choice to pursue a prosecution that they consider unjust, stating this in a press release to TopMob News. They acknowledged that Mr. Combs is far from perfect, but maintain he is not a criminal. To his credit, Mr. Combs has been fully cooperative with the investigation and even moved to New York last week in preparation for these charges.
Following my arrest on a sealed indictment, the charges against me were made public on September 17. As a 54-year-old, I was accused of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution, according to court documents obtained by NBC News.
The indictment claimed that I had been exploiting and abusing women for more than a decade, using my business empire as a tool to fulfill my desires, protect my reputation, and hide my actions. The alleged behavior is said to have begun around 2008, with prosecutors stating that the criminal enterprise I led and controlled included members who engaged in various crimes such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
As reported by NBC News, Combs pleaded not guilty and was not granted bail. In simpler terms, he has declared his innocence and will vigorously defend himself with all his strength, according to his lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who spoke to reporters before the hearing. He and his legal team are fully confident in their ability to handle this case.
After his apprehension, Combs stayed at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, where he was refused bail set at $50 million. Notably, this music tycoon was also put under suicide observation, a practice often applied to high-profile prisoners according to TopMob News sources. However, he has since been removed from that watch.
A source informed NBC News that he was given the same section of the prison as Sam Bankman-Fried, who is known for his involvement in cryptocurrency fraud cases.
34-year-old comedian Jeff Wittek admitted on September 29 that he went to one of Diddy’s wild house parties, known as “freak off” events, at a Miami mansion approximately ten years ago.
On Jeff FM, Wittek described it as being around eight floors tall and continuously rising, adding that the more you ascended, the more bizarre events seemed to unfold.
He went on to describe, “I witnessed an explicit display of intimacy that evening, a spectacle I had never seen before in my entire life. Needless to say, I didn’t join in, but I sure did get very intoxicated instead.
As Wittek put it, “It’s just crazy. I was literally there. I lived through it.”
At a press conference held on October 1st, lawyer Tony Buzbee revealed that a total of 120 individuals have recently made fresh accusations of sexual assault against the rapper.
In a recent press conference with NBC News, I, as a lifestyle expert, would put it that the accusations leveled against Mr. Combs involve disturbing claims such as:
1. Engaging in violent or non-consensual sexual acts.
2. Providing controlled substances to facilitate sexual encounters.
3. Sharing private video recordings without consent.
4. Abusing minors sexually.
These allegations are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation for the sake of justice and safety in our communities.
In a subsequent response, the legal representative of Erica Wolff stated that Puff Daddy (Combs) continues to assert his innocence regarding the accusations.
As a lifestyle expert speaking here, I’d like to clarify my stance on the recent media frenzy surrounding certain allegations against Mr. Combs. While it’s impossible for me to debunk every groundless accusation in this sensationalized environment, let me make it crystal clear: Mr. Combs firmly and unequivocally denies any claim that he has ever engaged in sexual misconduct, especially involving minors. These allegations are not only false but also defamatory.
During a press conference on October 1st, as reported by NBC News, Tony Buzbee, the lawyer, stated that one of the 120 individuals accusing Combs claimed they were just 9 years old at the time they alleged they were assaulted.
According to the attorney, “25 of the accusers were minors at the time of the alleged incidents.”
Janice’s lawyer, Natlie G. Figgers, expressed her sentiments to The Hollywood Reporter on Oct. 6, saying it is devastating to watch her son being judged based on falsehoods rather than truth. She described the apparent public trial of her son before he has a chance to demonstrate his innocence as an agony beyond description. Just like any other person, her son deserves a fair trial where he can express his version of events and present evidence to support his claim of innocence.
The attorney representing Beyoncé and Jay-Z issued a statement following Piers Morgan’s television guest, Jaguar Wright’s assertion, suggesting that the couple may have had more victims similar to those associated with Diddy.
Lawyer Alex Spiro stated to TMZ on Oct. 9 that what’s being discussed isn’t just gossip or nonsense, but rather a serious and direct allegation of something significant.
As a lifestyle expert, I found myself in a situation where my legal counsel advised me to retract a misleading statement that I had made. Gratefully, I complied with this guidance and offered an apology for any confusion or distress caused.
Piers mentioned during his October 8th broadcast that they weren’t there to counter the allegations at the time. However, things have changed, as their attorney has reached out to state that these accusations are completely unfounded and lack any factual basis.
In the revised lawsuit first filed in October 2024, defendant Ashley Parkham alleged that Odell Beckham Jr., Druski, and Combs were involved in a group sexual assault against her in 2018, which they are said to have carried out together in March 2025.
Both men denied the claims.
In March 2025, Combs once more stood before the court, claiming innocence regarding charges brought forth in an updated indictment. This updated indictment alleged that he coerced his staff into working excessive hours and made threats against them if they did not comply.
Following a court ruling that required an anonymous plaintiff, known as Jane Doe, to reveal her identity and resubmit a lawsuit filed in October 2024 against Combs for sexual assault, the case was dropped when the plaintiff failed to meet the deadline for re-filing within the specified time period.
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2025-05-05 20:48