Potential jurors in 'Diddy' trial asked about celebrities as selection continues

(TNND) — Jury selection continued Tuesday in New York in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, with opening statements expected to begin early next week.

Combs is facing five criminal counts, including sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, transportation for purposes of prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.

Dozens of potential jurors have been questioned to determine if they can be fair and impartial.

Attorneys are examining potential jurors’ knowledge of the case, experience with sexual assault or domestic violence, and views on law enforcement and hip-hop artists.

The alleged offenses span from about 2004 until about 2024, according to The Associated Press.

The indictment accused Combs of coercing and abusing women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings, the AP reported.

Prosecutors allege Combs used his “power and prestige” as a music star to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers in events dubbed “freak offs,” according to the AP.

Combs and his lawyers say he's innocent and that any group sex was consensual.

Four accusers are expected to testify at the trial.

The Daily Mail reported that the names of some A-list celebrities were included on a list of people and places handed to potential jurors because they may come up throughout the trial.

That included Michael B. Jordan, because he was once allegedly threatened by Combs over his relationship with Combs' ex-girlfriend, the Daily Mail reported. And “Austin Powers” star Mike Myers was on the list.

The Daily Mail reported that it was unclear why Myers’ name appeared on the list.

Variety reported that the names of other celebrities appeared on the list, including Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

Variety reported that potential jurors were given a list of at least 190 people, including celebrities and public figures, to gauge their familiarity with those people.

Variety reported that it’s unclear how the list as a whole will factor into the trial.

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The National News Desk's Geoff Harris contributed to this report.