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Jury selection in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continued Wednesday in Manhattan’s federal court, where potential jurors were asked if they recognized a slew of A-list stars.
The list of 190 celebrities spans beloved Hollywood actors and elite musicians who may be referenced during the trial, including Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers and Kanye West, among others, according to Variety.
As the jury selection process got underway starting Monday, potential jurors were also probed on their knowledge of the hip-hop mogul, their views on law enforcement and whether they’ve experienced sexual assault, among other topics.
Combs is facing a five-count indictment accusing him of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy. The rapper was arrested in September 2024 after federal authorities alleged he and his associates threatened, abused and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires” – through twisted “freak offs” – or recorded sex performances.
Diddy has denied any wrongdoing and rejected a plea deal offer.
Here are the celebrities who may be referenced during the trial:
Cassie Ventura
Ventura, Combs’ ex-longtime girlfriend, is the star witness in the federal trial.
The pair met in 2005 when Ventura signed to Combs’ label. She was 19 and he was 37. Their relationship first became public in 2007, with the pair splitting and reconciling several times over the course of a decade before breaking up for good in 2018.
Ventura came forward last year about her experience of domestic abuse, saying it had “broken” her.
Surveillance footage from a 2016 incident showed Combs chasing the singer down a hotel hallway before punching and kicking her to the floor.
Combs, wearing only a towel around his waist and a pair of socks, then attempted to drag Ventura back down the corridor. He apologized for the video, which Ventura’s representatives called “disingenuous.”
Jurors have also been asked about two fancy Manhattan hotels: The Essex House Hotel and The Peninsula, where some of the abuse allegedly occurred.
Michael B. Jordan
The “Sinners” actor likely appeared on the list because he went on a date with Combs’ longtime ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, the star witness of the federal trial, a source familiar with the case told Variety.
Combs was said to be upset about the date, which took place in 2015, the source added.
Jordan will not be a witness in the trial, according to the report.
Mike Myers
It was not immediately clear why Myers was included in the list, though many have speculated that his inclusion stems from a brief mention of Combs in one of his beloved Austin Powers films.
Austin Powers, one of Myers’ most popular roles, has a movie with a joke poking fun at the musician, USA Today reported.
The scene in reference is likely from 2002’s Austin Powers: Goldmember, during which the character Dr. Evil has an “E Diddy” tattoo on his butt after spending time in prison.
Kid Cudi
Cudi, whose real name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, was likely included on the list because of a possible link to a car explosion involving Kid Cudi, according to Variety. There have been no criminal charges against Diddy in connection to the explosion
At the time of the alleged incident, the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper was romantically linked with Ventura.
Kanye West
The controversial rapper released a song featuring his 11-year-old daughter, North, and Combs back in March.
In addition to Combs, who is credited on the track by one of his many monikers, Puff Daddy, the song features Combs’ son, King, and Jasmine Williams, a Yeezy artist from Chicago.
West’s connection to the trial was not immediately clear.
Dallas Austin
Austin, a singer and music producer, dated Diddy’s late ex-wife Kim Porter, who died in 2018, according to US Magazine.
Laurieann Gibson
Gibson, a choreographer, worked with the disgraced rapper on Making the Bread, as well as his short-lived television show, P. Diddy’s Starmaker, according to US Magazine.
Dawn Richard
Richard, a former bandmate and producer of Combs, is one of Combs' many alleged victims.
The musician, once a member of the girl group Dainty Kane, which was founded by Combs, accused him of years of physical and sexual abuse – both against her and others they worked with.
Richard’s case is still ongoing, according to US Magazine.
Harve Pierre
Pierre is a record executive who has worked with Diddy’s label, Bad Boy Entertainment, according to US Magazine.
It was not immediately clear why he was included on the list.
Michelle Williams
It was not immediately clear why Williams, a former member of Destiny’s Child, was included on the list.
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