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Prosecutors in Diddy's sex trafficking trial are already feeling the pressure after one of their star witnesses said she might not show up to testify.
After jury selection began on Monday, May 5, the prosecution told the court they struggled to get in touch with one of their anonymous witnesses and her attorney. They said the woman doesn't live close to New York City and revealed it's possible she won't attend the trial even after she was subpoenaed. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey told the judge she would briefly mention the woman in her opening statements, but wouldn't describe her story until the second half of the trial.
The prosecution plans to call on at least three star witnesses to testify against Sean "Diddy" Combs. His ex-girlfriend Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura has already committed to testifying publicly, while the other three alleged victims will remain anonymous. Prosecutors previously indicated that one of the witnesses claimed Combs allegedly forced her to undergo a medical procedure.
It's not clear which witness it is, but the feds claimed the procedure was related to the sex trafficking charge. According to TMZ, the alleged procedure also speaks "directly to the degree of control [Diddy] had over her, consent to specific sexual acts ... It's relevant to these questions on coercion."
In response, Combs' legal team told prosecutors they needed to inform them about their plans for the alleged victim by the end of the week. The artist and his lawyers reportedly worked well together on the first day of jury selection. However, Combs told the judge he was "a little nervous" while the defense asked for a bathroom break during the proceedings.
Jury selection is expected to last until the end of the week. 12 jurors will be selected along with six alternates. All jurors will remain anonymous throughout the trial.