The federal trial of rapper and music producer Sean 'Diddy' Combs began on Monday in New York, as he faces a five-count indictment including charges of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution.

The proceedings commenced with jury selection, where candidates were carefully evaluated and dismissed by both federal prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Federal prosecutor Emily Johnson presented the case against Combs, stating, "To the public he was Puff Daddy or Diddy.

A cultural icon.

A businessman.

Larger than life." However, she characterized Combs as the leader of a criminal enterprise that allegedly engaged in a range of illegal activities.

Johnson emphasized that the trial would reveal 20 years of criminal conduct, implicating a network of bodyguards and associates who allegedly aided Combs in committing and concealing these crimes.

The charges outlined by the prosecution include serious offenses such as kidnapping, arson, drug distribution, sex crimes, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

In her opening statement, defense attorney Teny Geragos asserted that the prosecution was mischaracterizing consensual relationships between adults as a sex trafficking operation, urging jurors to focus on the noise surrounding the case rather than the facts.

Combs, aged 55, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could lead to a minimum prison sentence of 15 years if he is convicted.

He has remained in custody at a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2023.

Prosecutors allege that Combs used coercion and violence to control women, detailing instances where he was accused of choking, hitting, and dragging women.

In contrast, defense lawyers contend that the lifestyle in question was extravagant but legal, portraying Combs as a figure falsely accused in a case exacerbated by media attention and social discourse.

The trial has drawn significant public interest, with courtroom attendance creating substantial lines before proceedings began.

Combs's family was seen entering the courthouse, providing a show of support amid the serious allegations.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian presided over the jury selection process, ultimately choosing a panel of 12 jurors and 6 alternates while protecting their identities.

The judge dismissed claims from the defense regarding racial discrimination in jury selection, aligning with the prosecution's rationale.

Notably, Combs's former partner, singer Cassie, is anticipated to testify as an early witness.

In 2023, she filed a lawsuit alleging long-term abuse from Combs, including incidents of violence, which was settled shortly after its filing but sparked further inquiries and subsequent lawsuits from other individuals with similar claims.

Among the evidence the prosecution plans to present is surveillance footage reportedly showing Combs assaulting Cassie in 2016. Additionally, the trial may feature recordings from alleged 'Freak Offs', events characterized by sexual encounters with male workers, which prosecutors claim were documented by Combs and involved participants needing medical attention afterward.

Combs’s legal team has acknowledged his past issues, admitting that he sought therapy, including for substance use, prior to his arrest.

Defense lawyers maintain that any sexual encounters were consensual and that allegations of physical violence have been exaggerated.

The trial is anticipated to last for a minimum of eight weeks, with a significant focus on the evidence and testimonies that will emerge.