First celeb names dropped in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial as jury is read list of A-list stars that could be mentioned

A list of 190 names was presented to potential jurors in the sex-crimes case against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, but the context around each is still unclear.

Jurors at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sensational sex-trafficking trial could hear a slew of celebrity name-drops — including Kanye West, Michael B. Jordan and Mike Myers — when testimony kicks off next week.

During the first day of jury selection in the Manhattan federal sex-crimes case against Combs, 55, on Monday, a group of potential jury panellists was read a long list of names that might be mentioned throughout the trial. This list including controversial rapper West — who goes by “Ye” — and the two famous actors, reports the New York Post.

The prospective jurors were asked if they knew any of the names on the list or anything about the people that could preclude them from being unbiased during the case.

A handful of the potential panellists claimed they didn’t know any of the names of the celebrities.

No context was given on how the names might come up as the trial kicks off, including whether they could be mentioned in testimony or even be called as witnesses.
The potential jurors were also asked if they had seen a video of Combs allegedly shoving, dragging and kicking his ex girlfriend Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in California, in 2016.

Michael B. Jordan’s name was read to jurors. Photo: Angel Delgado/Getty Images.

Mike Myers’ name was also raised. Picture: AFP.

Other known names that could surface at trial include rapper Kid Cudi, former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams, singer Dawn Richard, music producer Dallas Austin and rapper Yung Miami, who dated Combs, according to the defence and prosecutors. Some of Combs’ family members also could be mentioned.

Jordan — star of the “Creed” hit movie trilogy — briefly dated key prosecution witness Cassie Ventura in 2015.

Austin — who’s written and produced songs for musicians including TLC, Pink, Gwen Stefani and Aretha Franklin — could surface because he once dated late actress Kim Porter, who had several children with Combs.

Richard — a former member of the music group Danity Kane, which was founded by Combs — is one of many women who has sued the defendant alleging sexual assault.

Miami — whose real name is Caresha Brownlee — was in an open relationship with Combs until sometime after the bombshell charges were made against him.

A $30 million lawsuit by one of Combs’ former male employees, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, claimed Miami was one of three women paid a “stipend” in exchange for sex work. She’s denied the allegation.

Ventura is expected to testify about her time dating Combs when he allegedly forced her into so-called “Freak-Off” sex sessions.

Sean "Diddy" Combs’ trial is set to be one of the biggest showbiz trials of the decade. Picture: Getty.

She is also likely to tell jurors the infamous hotel corridor video of her and Combs.

Potential jurors were also asked if they’ve seen the horrific video of Combs beating Ventura.

Three other alleged victims are also slated to be witnesses.

Superstar Jennifer Lopez could also potentially be mentioned at trial since she dated Combs from 1999 to 2001. But her name didn’t come up Monday.

Combs famously hosted parties attended by VIPs in the entertainment industry and had connections to many A-listers.

The fallen Bad Boy Records founder is accused of forcing women into drugged-up sex marathons with male prostitutes for Combs’ sexual gratification. Prosecutors have claimed the mogul carried out his criminal enterprise for roughly a decade, roping in his employees, too, who helped orchestrate the freak-offs.

Combs — who has been held without bail since his September arrest — has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution charges.

His team claims all of the alleged victims are his former girlfriends and that their parts in his admittedly kinky sex life were consensual.

No jurors were selected Monday. The vetting process will resume Tuesday morning US time, with the judge hoping to seat a panel by the end of Wednesday.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin on Monday, May 12, with the trial expected to last for two months.

Jurors will be shown disturbing video footage of the freak-offs, which Combs allegedly frequently recorded. It is unclear whether the press and public will be allowed to see the footage.

Testimony could also include shocking details such as the fact that the feds found at his mansion 1,000 bottles of personal lubricant and baby oil, which prosecutors say Combs used for the sex marathons.

This story originally appeared on New York Post and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as First celeb names dropped in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial as jury is read list of A-list stars that could be mentioned