Inside Jury Selection for P Diddy’s Upcoming Trial: Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Breaks It Down

This week marks the beginning of jury selection in the federal sex-trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Puffy” Combs, better known as P Diddy. With the rap mogul pleading not guilty, both sides are gearing up for what promises to be a high-stakes, highly publicized court battle. Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud sat down 3TV News anchors to share his insights on the lengthy 72-question juror survey, the defense’s strategy, and what jurors can expect as the trial unfolds.

The 72-Question Juror Survey 

Ensuring Fairness from the Start According to Kolsrud, a detailed questionnaire is standard in cases that involve celebrity defendants and allegations of sex crimes. • “In a huge case like this involving a mogul—an icon—it’s actually not surprising,” Kolsrud explains. • The survey probes potential jurors’ views on sex-related allegations, the criminal justice system, and celebrity culture. • While the prosecution labeled the questionnaire “excessive,” Kolsrud notes that both sides ultimately want one thing: “fair and impartial jurors.”

Speed vs. Thoroughness

A Tactical Tug-of-War Prosecutors argue for a swift trial, but Kolsrud says the defense isn’t looking to drag things out for delay’s sake. In fact, a prolonged process could backfire if more alleged victims come forward. • Since charges were filed nine months ago, the number of accusers has grown from two to five. • “What the defense doesn’t want is for this case to turn into another Harvey Weinstein scenario where they have 20 victims and the evidence is so overwhelming that there really is no defense,” Kolsrud warns.

The “Swinger Lifestyle” Defense

Normalizing Consensual Encounters One cornerstone of the defense strategy will be portraying Combs’s personal life as a consensual “rock-and-roll lifestyle,” not exploitation. • Juror attitudes toward alternative sexual lifestyles will be key. • “They do not want jurors who are going to judge Shawn Puffy Combs for having an alternative lifestyle,” Kolsrud says. • Early focus will be on potential jurors’ ability to separate personal bias from evidence.

Celebrity Factor

A Double-Edged Sword Having a household-name defendant changes the dynamic. Kolsrud points out that every juror will feel like a “celebrity” making a monumental decision—and that can cut both ways. • Fame can breed both sympathy and skepticism. • “It’s a wild card,” he says, noting that jurors’ preconceptions could influence their views on guilt or innocence.

Timeline

Four Weeks (If All Goes According to Plan) Both sides have given the court rough estimates for the trial’s length. • Prosecution: Approximately three weeks. • Defense (if they present evidence): About one week. • Total estimate: Four weeks—unless jury selection drags on. Kolsrud recalls the O.J. Simpson case, where selection alone took 11 weeks.

No Cameras in Federal Court

Relying on On-Scene Reporters Unlike many high-profile state trials, federal proceedings are not televised. Kolsrud says the public will have to depend on journalists inside the courtroom for real-time updates and “color” reporting.

Expect “Explosive” Evidence and Celebrity Witnesses 

The government plans to introduce at least nine videos featuring Combs and others. Celebrities may also appear as witnesses. • “There’s no question it’s going to be explosive,” Kolsrud says. • Salacious footage and high-profile testimony will likely dominate headlines.

What’s Next? 

As jury selection gets underway, all eyes are on how potential jurors will react to questions about sex, power, and celebrity. According to Josh Kolsrud, the defense’s top priority is clear: assemble a jury that can judge the evidence impartially, free from preconceived notions about P Diddy’s fame or lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more updates as this trial unfolds—by the time it’s over, it may reshape how we think about celebrity, consent, and the justice system.