Diddy Rages at Judge Over Johnny Depp’s Lawyer Joining Jury Selection: Trial Takes Dramatic Turn

New York, NY — The criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile and contentious cases in recent memory. On day three of jury selection in a packed New York federal courtroom, tensions reached a boiling point—not just for the embattled rap mogul, but also for his legal team and the judge presiding over the case.

A Trial Full of Twists

Diddy, facing federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, appeared visibly nervous as the process to select a jury of 12, plus alternates, continued. The stakes couldn’t be higher: If convicted, the music mogul could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

But what really ignited Diddy’s frustration was the judge’s decision to consult Ben Chew, the high-profile attorney who helped Johnny Depp secure a victory against Amber Heard in their blockbuster defamation trial. Chew’s presence in court as an expert on jury selection for celebrity cases sent shockwaves through both legal teams.

According to sources inside the courtroom, Diddy was “furious” and “blindsided” by the move, believing that Chew’s involvement could influence the entire direction of the trial. “Who ends up on a jury could change everything,” one observer noted. “Diddy’s team wasn’t expecting this, and it rattled them.”

Jury Selection: A Battle of Bias

Over the first two days, 167 potential jurors were brought in, with 49 dismissed immediately. The remainder faced a barrage of questions about their news consumption, opinions on Diddy, and ability to remain unbiased. Some were honest about their negative views of the star, while others expressed uncertainty about staying impartial.

By day three, the pool had been narrowed to 35 individuals from diverse backgrounds—ranging in age from their 30s to their 80s, and including professionals in design, social work, medicine, and manufacturing. The process underscored the difficulty of finding jurors who haven’t been influenced by the wall-to-wall media coverage of Diddy’s case.

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The judge warned that jurors would be exposed to disturbing evidence, including explicit videos and images. Many admitted to knowing about Diddy’s alleged behavior, with some even referencing the now-infamous hotel video showing Diddy assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.

The Cassie Question

One of the most controversial elements of the trial is whether Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, will take the stand. Some legal experts, such as Dr. Umar, have argued that Ventura should not be allowed to testify due to a prior NDA and settlement. “After all the money he paid her, after her signing an NDA, how can she then be brought back into court to testify against him?” he said, comparing the situation to the legal battles faced by Bill Cosby.

Prosecutors, however, argue that Ventura’s testimony is critical, not just for what happened to her, but for establishing a pattern of behavior that stretches back decades. They allege that Diddy used his fame and power to coerce women into drug-fueled “freakoffs”—wild parties involving sex workers, drugs, and secret recordings.

Celebrity Jury Dynamics

Ben Chew, drawing on his experience from the Depp-Heard trial, explained that celebrity cases present unique challenges. “In a high-stakes case like this, you have a defendant who could be sentenced to life in prison and has the resources to hire top jury consultants and investigators,” Chew said. He noted that Diddy’s team is likely monitoring jurors’ social media and electronic footprints for any sign of bias.

Chew also shared insights into what kind of jurors might favor the defense: “People who are young, open-minded, and not easily shocked could be better for Diddy. More men might be favored, not because women can’t be fair, but because some of the details might be harder for women to hear and stay unbiased about.”

Diddy’s Dilemma

With video evidence of violence against Ventura expected to be shown in court, Chew suggested that Diddy may have no choice but to address it head-on. “He’s got to explain it. He’s got to say that he’s terribly sorry for it, but that was an aberration—that’s not who he is.”

Diddy’s legal team, meanwhile, has been actively involved in jury selection, with the defendant himself signaling approval or disapproval of certain candidates. This hands-on approach is common, Chew said, especially when a defendant’s freedom is at stake.

The Stakes for Everyone

As the trial moves forward, both sides will use their peremptory challenges to strike jurors from the pool—a process that can be contentious if there are allegations of exclusion based on race, gender, or ethnicity. The jury will remain anonymous for safety, given the high-profile nature of the case and the potential for threats or harassment.

Prosecutors are expected to present evidence that Diddy used violence, intimidation, and blackmail to control women for over 20 years, forcing them to participate in and keep silent about his notorious parties. Testimony from witnesses—including celebrities who attended these events—could further complicate the trial.

“What Happens Here, Stays Here”

As one former party attendee described, “Whatever happens in here stays in here, because everybody’s got something to lose.” That code of silence is now being shattered in a courtroom where the world is watching.

With the trial set to last at least eight weeks, the outcome is anything but certain. But one thing is clear: For Diddy, the days of controlling the narrative are over. The fate of his legacy—and his freedom—now rests in the hands of a jury he tried so hard to influence.

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