Jury selection commenced on Monday in New York for the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The process began with U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian questioning 36 potential jurors to determine their ability to remain impartial in a case expected to include graphic video evidence involving violence and sexual content.

Opening statements and witness testimony are expected to begin next week.

Combs, 55, appeared in court dressed in a sweater, white shirt, and gray slacks — clothing approved by the judge in place of standard jail-issued attire. He has been in custody at a federal detention center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September.

During the session, proceedings briefly paused when Combs requested a bathroom break, telling the judge, “I’m a little nervous.”

By the end of the first day, roughly half of the initial jury pool had been dismissed. Some were released due to personal or financial constraints, while others were deemed biased based on past experiences or opinions. A second group of 36 prospective jurors will undergo screening on Tuesday, with a final jury expected to be seated by midweek.

Several jurors indicated they had seen media coverage of the case, including surveillance footage reportedly showing Combs assaulting a woman in a hotel hallway in 2016. One juror who called the video “damning evidence” was dismissed. Another, who had “liked” a social media video referencing baby oil found in one of Combs’ homes, was allowed to remain under consideration.

Federal prosecutors allege that Combs operated a criminal enterprise over several decades, coercing women into drug-fueled sexual encounters — referred to as “Freak Offs” — with the promise of career advancement. When met with resistance, prosecutors claim, Combs resorted to violence, including beatings, kidnapping, and threats. One alleged incident involved Combs dangling an individual off a balcony.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey told the court on Monday that one of the four women expected to testify may not appear, as her attorney has been unreachable due to personal issues. However, Comey noted that the woman’s testimony is not essential for proving any specific count.

The trial is expected to examine multiple incidents, including the 2016 assault involving Combs and his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie. That incident, captured on hotel surveillance footage, gained renewed attention in late 2023 after Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sustained abuse, including physical and sexual violence.

Combs has pleaded not guilty and maintains that any sexual activity was consensual. His legal team disputes the prosecution’s claim that his actions amounted to a criminal enterprise.

Unlike recent celebrity trials, Combs’ proceedings will not be broadcast, as federal courts prohibit electronic recordings. Courtroom sketch artists will be the sole visual documentarians of the trial.

If convicted on all charges, Combs faces a potential life sentence.