Federal prosecutors are struggling to reach a key witness they say is an alleged victim of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
On Monday, May 5, during the first day of jury selection in the music mogul’s sex trafficking and racketeering trial, prosecutors told Judge Arun Subramanian they’ve been unable to contact a woman they described as “Victim No. 3,” TMZ reported.
The unidentified woman was issued a subpoena. But she lives outside the New York City area, where the trial is taking place. Despite previous communications, prosecutors said lately they’ve been unable to make contact with the woman or her attorney.
Related: Diddy Jury Selection Opens With Questions About Michael B. Jordan, Al B. Sure!
The woman is alleged to have been abused and sexually exploited by Combs. Before prosecutors lost contact with her, they said the woman suggested she might not show up for court.
The judge asked the lead prosecutor if she still plans to include details about the woman’s story in her opening statements.
Diddy’s legal team told the judge it needs answers about “Victim No. 3” by the end of this week. In response, the judge urged the prosecution to keep trying to reach the woman.
Diddy was in court and wore a white collared shirt, a black crewneck sweater and black pants, according to published reports.
In a written order, Judge Subramanian granted the music mogul permission last week to wear his own clothes at trial.
The judge was very specific and said a package containing up to five outfits and two pairs of shoes, without laces, was to be dropped off at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where the Bad Boy Records founder is being held. The judge’s order allowed for shirts, sweaters and pants, but no business suits, as previously reported.
Day 2 of jury selection continued Tuesday.
Both the prosecution and defense want to seat an impartial jury of 12 New York residents, and up to six alternates.
Combs, 55, is charged with five counts and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If a jury convicts him, he faces 15 years to life in prison.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
