Sean “Diddy” Combs was present in court on Monday as his trial for sex trafficking commenced in New York. With five federal charges against him and the jury still in the process of being chosen, Diddy faced a full courtroom on Monday. The 55-year-old music icon appeared in a well-fitted suit and glasses at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan, choosing to wear civilian attire with court approval.

During the trial's commencement, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian recognized Diddy's various stage names, mentioning his aliases as "Puff Daddy, Diddy, other names ... and Love." The judge lightened the atmosphere with a humorous remark about the extensive jury pool's size, comparing it to the length of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

The jury selection process is anticipated to take several days, with the trial estimated to last up to eight weeks. Diddy's high-profile status and the serious nature of the accusations have attracted nationwide attention to the case.

Initially arrested in September 2024 in New York, Diddy faced charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. In April, two more charges were added by prosecutors: an additional count of sex trafficking and another charge of transporting for prostitution, totalling five charges.

Rejecting a plea agreement last week, Diddy pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. Jury selection will continue this week, with opening statements scheduled once the jury panel is finalized.