The federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has taken a dramatic turn, with celebrities Kid Cudi and Michael B. Jordan unexpectedly named during jury selection.
The trial, which officially began on May 5, 2025, in a Manhattan federal court, sees Combs facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. The Bad Boy Records founder has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody following several denied requests for bail.
During jury selection, potential jurors were asked whether they recognized a list of public figures associated with the case — including rapper Kid Cudi and actor Michael B. Jordan. This is part of a standard vetting process to ensure no jurors hold biases that might affect their impartiality.
Their names surfaced due to allegations made by singer and Combs’ former partner, Cassie Ventura. In a 2023 lawsuit, Ventura claimed that during a brief split in her relationship with Combs in 2015, she shared a flirtatious encounter with Michael B. Jordan, which allegedly triggered a violent threat from Combs directed at the actor.
Ventura also alleged a brief relationship with Kid Cudi in 2011, stating that Combs was furious upon learning of it and threatened to blow up Cudi’s car. Not long after, Cudi’s car reportedly exploded in his driveway. A representative for the rapper later confirmed the incident, saying Ventura’s claims were “all true.”
While neither Kid Cudi nor Michael B. Jordan are expected to testify in the trial, their names have entered official court records as figures connected to the events surrounding the case.
Opening statements for the trial are scheduled for May 12, and the proceedings are expected to continue for up to ten weeks.