Actor Michael B. Jordan’s name was first mentioned during jury selection for Sean “Puffy” Combs’ criminal trial in Manhattan on Monday. The trial commenced on Monday with the jury selection process.
Combs, a 55-year-old, was arrested in September on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation with the intent to engage in prostitution.
Combs has vehemently denied the allegations and rejected the prosecution’s offer of a five-year federal prison sentence in exchange for a guilty plea last week.
On Monday and Tuesday, potential jurors were presented with a list of numerous celebrity names and asked if they were “familiar” with them.
Some individuals were excused from the jury pool when they acknowledged familiarity with the names on the list. Consequently, the judge adjusted his questioning approach and inquired whether the jurors knew the celebrities “personally.”
Others were dismissed from the jury pool when they admitted to having seen the viral video of Combs attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, in 2016.
It came as a surprise to potential jurors to encounter Michael B. Jordan’s name on the list. He had always been meticulous in safeguarding his public image from scandal.
Michael rose to fame in 2004 for his emotionally charged performance as Wallace in HBO’s “The Wire.” He has since starred in films such as “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” “Creed II,” and “Black Panther.”
According to Rolling Stone, Michael’s name is on the list because Combs threatened him over his relationship with the music producer’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie.
Laurieann Gibson.
Photo credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA
Other names on the list include Combs’ close associate and confidante Laurieann Gibson (pictured), Kanye West, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, music executive Herve Pierre, music producer Dallas Austin, Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, rapper Kid Cudi, actress Lauren London, rapper Yung Miami, comedian Mike Myers, and a random assortment of C- and D-list rappers and actors.
Jury selection is anticipated to conclude on Wednesday, May 7, with the commencement of opening statements scheduled for Monday, May 12.
Combs has been incarcerated at a Brooklyn federal jail since his arrest in September. He has been denied bond three times.
