A high-stakes federal trial pitting hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs against his former associate got a fact-challenged shipment of cocaine this week, and it's sent both sides in the courtroom racing for cover. While the heat is building and the jury selection is ticking along, prosecutors have dropped a bombshell: they might be unable to convince one of their most important witnesses to testify.
The woman, identified only as "Victim No. 3," would be a key witness in the government's case against Combs, charged with a five-count indictment in Manhattan federal court. The charges are Sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and a labyrinth of abuse allegations that dated across more than two decades. It's a trial with gravity, and this witness was supposed to be an anchor.
Now, despite a subpoena, Victim No. 3 is hesitating. She doesn't even live in New York, and prosecutors say they've had a hard time reaching her, not just her but also her lawyer. In a dramatic moment in court, lead prosecutor Maurene Comey conceded they might not have her prepared to testify anytime soon.
Justice Arun Subramanian called on prosecutors to contact the witness's legal team for additional evidence and to start "unf#cking" things. Comey informed the court that they will not be telling the jury Victim No. 3's story in their opening statements for now. They will instead refer to her in general, reserving the specifics for later in the trial, if she shows up at all.
They pushed back, requesting that the judge order the prosecution to explain to the defense what it intends to do with this crucial witness before the weekends. They are concerned that having the testimony in limbo will affect their ability to mount a vigorous defense in a case as complicated as this one, and as closely watched every motion matters.
All this is playing out as jury selection officially began on May 5. About 150 prospects are being interviewed, one by one, with more rounds to come before a jury takes shape. The trial itself is on track to become lengthy, likely lasting several months. And because of federal court's rules governing their proceedings, don't expect to be exposed to any of that on TV cameras, and electronic recordings are forbidden inside the courtroom.
For prosecutors, it's a race against the clock to obtain an essential voice for a trial that relies on the testimony of several alleged victims. For Diddy's legal team, it's an opportunity to undermine the case's groundwork before the defense has delivered its first opening statement. Whatever the path to justice for all who grieve, whatever the direction in which such justice must ultimately go, the journey to that kind of justice is already looking at anything but a straight line.
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