(NewsNation) — Jury selection in the federal criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs continued Tuesday, and potential jurors have been removed from the pool after mentioning watching news footage of the case, including the video of Combs allegedly dragging ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
The footage obtained by CNN reportedly shows hotel surveillance tape of Combs attacking Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. Attorneys representing Ventura declined to comment when NewsNation reached out.
On Tuesday, at least one juror was struck after admitting to seeing the video. After they said they saw the video, Combs defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said, “What he saw will have an effect on him,” adding it’s “dangerous when people see these videos.”
Another potential juror was dismissed Monday after they referred to the video as “damning.”
Other jurors were struck Tuesday after admitting they consumed news reports of the case. One potential juror said they had negative feelings about Combs after watching the news. Another admitted to reading an article about the jury selection process on the subway on their way to the courthouse.
Defense attorneys objected to a potential juror Monday who worked as a photo producer for HBO due to the company’s “The Fall of Diddy” documentary.
How jury selection works in Diddy’s trial
The defense and prosecution will question potential jurors in the selection process, which could last through the end of the week.
The process, known as “voir dire,” takes time, Arick Fudali, an attorney representing women accusing Combs in civil court, told NewsNation.
“It’s a very slow process, it’s a very deliberate process. In a lot of criminal and civil cases — which are the cases I do — this jury selection process is one of the most important aspects of the case,” Fudali, who was inside the courtroom, said.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys will have an opportunity to question potential jurors and can dismiss any of them for cause, including possible bias or lack of impartiality.
Their objections must be approved by Judge Arun Subramaniam, who is overseeing the trial.
Subramanian spoke to the pool of potential jurors Monday morning, thanking them for their service, and said the trial could take as long as eight weeks.
“Let’s be serious, you’re all inconvenienced by this service,” Subramanian said, adding, “It’s an honor and privilege of the jury to be involved in the democratic process.”
Subramanian reviewed their answers to a questionnaire asking their views on sexual violence, sex trafficking, guns and illicit drugs.
Some potential jurors were asked to identify certain celebrities, and others were asked about possible media influence in the trial.
Prosecution wants Mark Geragos to stop talking about Diddy case on podcast
In a letter to the judge Tuesday, the prosecution reminded the court that attorney Mark Geragos, who appeared to give Combs guidance in court, is not a formal member of the defense team.
His daughter, Teny Geragos, is a member of Combs’ defense team.
Mark Geragos hosts a podcast, “2 Angry Men,” with TMZ’s Harvey Levin. On the podcast, he has given his opinions about Combs’ case.
The letter read in part: “During the course of jury selection, despite the presence of seven defense attorneys who have filed notices of appearance in this case and a jury consultant, the defense team appeared to consult with Mark Geragos and other members of the Geragos & Geragos law firm who were present in court. Mr. Geragos and his firm have a long-standing relationship with the defendant, but neither Mr. Geragos nor any member of his firm has filed a notice of appearance in this case.”
It also stated, “The need for the Court’s admonishment is necessary given that as recently as three days ago, Mr. Geragos spoke at length about the trial in this case in his podcast called ‘2 Angry Men,’ Mr. Geragos’s podcast with Harvey Levin, the creator of the tabloid news organization TMZ.”
Lisa Bloom, a lawyer for two Combs accusers — former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard and a man referred to as “John Doe” in civil cases — attended court Tuesday.
Bloom told NewsNation that prospective jurors seem enthusiastic to be on the case, and “traditional excuses to get out of jury duty like medical problems, child care issues, etc. are approached by them as things they can work out. The judge is moving expeditiously while making every effort to get fair and impartial jurors who can pay attention and sit through this potentially eight-week trial.”
What is Diddy charged with?
Combs faces federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The music producer has been held without bail since his September 2024 arrest, which came after two of his homes were raided by federal investigators seven months earlier.
Prosecutors have alleged Combs used the resources of his music empire to create “a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.”
Combs has denied the allegations. His legal team did not return a request for comment ahead of the trial.
Opening statements are slated for May 12.