Wednesday 5/7 Day 3. Everyone has an Opinion

0:01 Welcome back to Diddy Do It, the daily podcast that follows every move in the federal trial of Sean Ditty Combs. I'm Nate Oliver and today is Wednesday, May seventh. It's day three of jury selection here in downtown Manhattan. And while we're not technically into the trial itself just yet, you wouldn't know it from the fireworks in the courtroom. From bizarre juror disqualifications to sharp words from the bench, and even a moment of chaos involving a controversial podcast appearance, this trial is already redefining what it means to be high profile. Let's break down everything that happened today and why the people chosen to sit on this jury could shape the entire outcome of this case. We begin with a number thirty five. That's how many jurors have now been deemed qualified by the court. The ultimate goal forty five, from which twelve will be selected along with six alternates, to hear what prosecuted is a sprawling case of sex trafficking, abuse, and racketeering, stretching over two decades. So far, the process has been deliberate. Judge Aaron Subramanian has taken a methodical approach to each potential juror, and that's no small feat considering the sheer amount of media exposure, online chatter, and raw public opinion swirling around this case. Let's talk about some of the characters we met today. One man, middle aged, said he didn't listen to Ditty's music, didn't even really know who he was, but then added, I just assume

1:34 celebrities by their way out of trouble. That caught the judge's attention. Do you believe that would prevent you from fairly evaluating the evidence? Judge Subramanian asked, the man shrugged, Probably that was all it took, dismissed. Another juror, a young woman who works in tech, seemed calm and composed until she casually mentioned she watches true crime documentaries daily and follows legal commentary on tik talk. The prosecution flagged it. Further questioning revealed she had already watched a YouTube breakdown of Cassie Ventura's now settled lawsuit against Combs. She admitted it had shaped her opinion. She's out too. Then there was the HBO employee that potential juror noted that while she works in an unrelated department. Her network is currently developing a documentary reportedly titled The Fall of Ditty. The court hasn't confirmed the film's role in the trial, but the fact that she might have indirect exposure to material that could end up in evidence was enough. Excused Judge Supermanian is taking no chances, and frankly, with the stakes this high, he can't afford to. Now, let's talk about what might have been the most unexpected courtroom moment so far, and it happened before the session even began. Words started circulating about an interview given by attorney Mark Geragos. For those unfamiliar, Jaredgos is a well known criminal defense lawyer.

3:00 He's not directly on Ditty's legal team, but he represents Ditty's mother, Janis Combs in ongoing civil matters. In a podcast appearance on Tuesday night, Garagos referred to the prosecution team as and this is a direct quote, a six pack of white women. The comment exploded across social media overnight, and this morning it reached the courtroom. Judge Subramanian didn't mince words. He addressed it head on, calling the remarks outrageous, unprofessional, and completely inappropriate for an officer of the court. Garagos was not present in the room, but the message was clear. Any attempt to use race, gender, or media to influence this jury will not be tolerated. The prosecution looked visibly rattled and frankly annoyed. Tacopina Ditty's lead council remained stone faced.

3:53 Outside the courthouse, protesters seized on the comment. Some held signs reading, this isn't a six pack in it's justice. Others were far more blunt in their language. The tension out there is escalating, and the court knows it. Now back to the jury pool. As the day progressed, a few more potential jurors were qualified. One said he doesn't follow celebrity culture but believes everyone deserves a fair shot. Another described herself as a fan of nineties hip hop, but said she hadn't followed any of the recent allegations and could keep an open mind. That's the kind of juror both sides are desperately looking for. The court is moving closer to the magic number of forty five, barring any more surprises. Judge Subramanian hinted they could be ready to lock in the panel by tomorrow. Opening statements remain scheduled for Monday, May twelfth. Both sides have been given ninety minutes to make their initial pitches. The government plans to open with a sweeping timeline outlining what they describe as a two decade pattern of coercion, manipulation, drugging, and abuse, and they're expected to preview testimony from not just victims, but also Ditty's former employees, including bodyguards, assistants, and even a former driver. One of those witnesses, according to sources, will testify that he personally helped deliver women to hotel rooms and that he was paid cash not to ask questions. Meanwhile, the defense is preparing an equally dramatic opener. They plan to argue that the government is conflating consensual adult behavior with criminality, that the so called freak offs were nothing

5:27 more than wild parties, that Ditty isn't a trafficker, he's a target. This strategy will be risky, especially with graphic evidence expected to be presented, but it's clear that Ditty's team is going all in. More in a moment, We've also learned that the court will allow one piece of controversial video into evidence. The hotel surveillance footage from twenty sixteen allegedly showing did He assaulting then girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The defense argued it was prejudicial. The judge ruled it was admissible, but only in limited context. It's likely to be shown during week two of the trial. So where do we go from here? Jury selection should wrap up tomorrow, and with that the stage will officially be set. Twelve New Yorkers and whose names will never know and will sit in judgment of one of the most powerful figures in music history. They'll hear stories of fame and abuse, wealth and control, loyalty and betrayal, and when it's all over, they'll decide one simple question, did he do it? We'll be back tomorrow with more updates from inside the courtroom and behind the scenes. Please follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app, and if you're liking what we're doing, a five star rating goes a long way.

6:58 Did He Do It is a production of Calori Roga Shark Media. Executive producers are Mark Francis and John McDermott. Thanks for listening, I'm Nate Oliver. See you tomorrow.