Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial began on May 5 as scheduled with jury selection, but the process will be pushed to Monday (May 12) as prosecutors have pulled a surprise move in the case. Prosecutors have added a new alleged victim to the witness list they are calling “Victim 5.”
Although the person’s identity is not currently known, it will have to be revealed soon as Judge Arun Subramanian ruled Friday (May 9) that “Victim 5” will not be granted anonymity in the trial, per TMZ. Regarding this witness, the defense has tried to keep their story out of the case but the judge has allowed portions of their testimony.
According to documents obtained by the outlet, prosecutors “appear to be introducing this potential witness as evidence Diddy committed an act of sexual misconduct in the past which he’s not being charged for in this criminal case” to show an alleged pattern of behavior.
Sean “Diddy” Combs attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Attorneys on both sides are tasked with trimming down the group of jurors from 43 to 12 people, and six alternates. The selection process included asking prospective jurors if they, a family member or a friend had been a victim of sexual assault, sexual harassment or domestic violence, and whether they or a loved one had been charged or accused of such crimes.
Just ahead of the first day of trial, it was confirmed the Bad Boy Records founder declined to accept a plea deal. He has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy was arrested on Sept. 16 in NYC and has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn without bail.
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