What are the top questions surrounding Diddy's trial?

(NewsNation) — The criminal case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is one of the most highly anticipated trials of the year, and will begin Monday with jury selection. 

Combs has been held without bail since his September 2024 arrest, which came after two of his homes were raided by federal investigators seven months prior. 

The hip-hop star and producer is accused of sexually abusing and exploiting women, using his status and business empire to compel them to take part in sexual events, which were dubbed “Freak-offs.”

Combs is facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

He also faces a mounting number of civil lawsuits from a number of accusers who say they were abused by Combs and his associates.

Here is everything to know ahead of his upcoming trial:

Who is accusing Diddy?

Combs was indicted by federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York. His trial will take place at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse in New York City. 

FILE - Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the Billboard Music Awards, May 15, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

What happens first in the Diddy trial?

Combs’ trial will begin with jury selection, where both prosecutors and defense attorneys will whittle down a pool of jurors until they reach the final twelve. 

During this process, called voir dire, attorneys and the judge will question potential jurors to determine their impartiality and suitability for trial.

What is the maximum sentence Diddy faces if convicted?

Diddy faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty of racketeering or sex trafficking. 

Transportation for purposes of prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Who will be at trial? 

Singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, ex-girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, will be testifying in his trial using her own name instead of staying anonymous.

Ventura was the first to file a civil suit against Combs in 2023, which prompted many more people to come forward.

In March 2024, CNN released surveillance video that allegedly showed Ventura being chased and beaten by Combs in her Los Angeles hotel in March 2016.

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 27: Cassie (L) and recording artist Sean "Diddy" Combs attend the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jay-Z on January 27, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

A federal judge ruled Friday that the surveillance video will be allowed into evidence at trial despite objections from the rapper’s attorneys. 

Besides Ventura and the three unnamed victims who are testifying anonymously, it is unclear who will testify at Combs’ trial. 

Prosecutors are planning to call psychologist Dawn Hughes to the stand. Hughes testified at R. Kelly’s trial in 2021. In Combs’ case, she is going to touch on how victims of sexual abuse might remain loyal to their perpetrator and stay in relationships due to fear of violence or emotional manipulation, according to Reuters.

It is unclear what celebrities could be called to testify. However, there are many who have had previous connections with Combs.

Jay-Z, for example, had been named in a now-dismissed lawsuit that claimed he and Diddy had raped a 13-year-old girl while a female celebrity watched. Jay-Z had released a statement when the lawsuit was filed in October 2024, accusing the lawyer behind the suit of attempting to blackmail him.

Pop star Jennifer Lopez is Combs’ ex-girlfriend and was with the rapper in 1999 when he allegedly fired a gun in a club, causing the couple to be arrested.

What evidence does the prosecution have?

The prosecution will present witness testimony from Ventura and at least three other victims. 

The government is also seeking witness testimony from psychologist Dawn Hughes, who is set to explain to the jury concepts and patterns of domestic and sexual abuse.

Prosecutors are also allowed to show hotel surveillance video showing Combs beating her in the hallway in 2016. 

In this courtroom sketch, Assistant United States Attorney Christy Slavic, standing center, speaks during a hearing for Sean "Diddy" Combs, left, as Judge Arun Subramanian, right, presides in federal Court, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in New York. Attorney Tony Riccio is shown standing background center. (Jane Rosenberg via AP)

"The defense can't show the footage is inadmissible," Judge Arun Subramanian said in a ruling from the bench Friday. "There's no unfair prejudice to Mr. Combs."

Prosecutors also likely have a trove of evidence that was acquired from the two homes that were raided by investigators last year, including electronics. 

The government is also looking to use evidence from a December 2011 911 call from a man reporting a break-in, which prosecutors claim Combs committed. Combs' lawyers say it's inadmissible, reported USA Today. 

What will Diddy's defense be?

Combs' pretrial motions and arguments have offered hints as to what his defense may look like.

Combs’ defense team has argued that any sexual acts were consensual, which does not amount to any crime. They will also question the credibility of the victims.

His lawyers will likely challenge the legality of the evidence obtained by authorities from the raids and after his arrest.

In this courtroom sketch, Sean Combs, center, is flanked by his defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, left, and Teny Garagos, in Manhattan Federal Court, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

Racial bias may also come with defense attorneys. They had asked to dismiss part of his criminal federal indictment, claiming a law used against him is “racist” and that “no white person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution.”  

Will the jury see the 'freak off' videos?

Combs’ legal team submitted a list of proposed questions for potential jurors that hinted that the "freak-off" videos may be presented as evidence. 

The videos in question were obtained during a raid on Diddy's home early last year and played a significant role in securing his indictment.

The videos allegedly show victims who were directed to engage in extended sex acts with male sex workers on film.

Can I stream the trial? 

Federal court does not allow cameras or electronics in the courtroom, so Combs' trial will not be streamed.

NewsNation's Steph Whiteside and Sierra Campbell contributed to this story.