Why Was Michael B. Jordan Named During Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Trial?
When Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial began this week, potential jurors received a lengthy list of names that could come up, including Michael B. Jordan. The actor was one of many celebrities listed. While a number of the celebrities’ connection to Combs is not clear, Jordan has reportedly witnessed Combs’ bad side. He briefly dated Cassie Ventura in 2015, much to Combs’ indignation.
Michael B. Jordan was mentioned during jury selection for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial
During the jury selection process for Combs’ trial, potential jurors received a list of 190 names and were asked to identify if they knew them. One of the names on the list was Jordan.
While Rolling Stone has confirmed that Jordan will not testify in the trial, his connection to Combs is clearest. In 2015, Combs’ former girlfriend, Ventura, “began a flirtatious relationship with an actor,” as referenced in her lawsuit against Combs. When Combs found out about the relationship, he “called the actor and threatened him.”
“The actor proceeded to call Ms. Ventura and tell her, ‘You really need to call [Mr. Combs],’” read Ventura’s lawsuit.
Sources have confirmed the actor in question was Jordan, though his reps have declined to comment on the matter.
Michael B. Jordan was far from the only celebrity mentioned during Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial
Many other celebrities were included on the list for potential jurors. These names include Kid Cudi and actor Mike Myers. Prosecutors believe Combs blew up Cudi’s car while he was dating Ventura in 2011. Myers could have been mentioned because of a joke in Austin Powers: Goldmember. Myers’ character, Dr. Evil, had an “E. Diddy” tattoo on his butt after spending time in prison.
Other names mentioned were Kanye West, Lauren London, Dawn Richard, Dallas Austin, and Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams. Their connection to the case is unclear, with the exception of West, who has been a vocal supporter of Combs.
Cassie Ventura will testify during the trial
The investigation into Combs kicked off in part because of Ventura’s lawsuit against him. She has been referred to as “Victim-1” in the case but will testify using her name.
“She is prepared to testify under her own name,” a motion filed by the prosecution states (per People). “Victim-2, Victim-3, and Victim-4 have asked that their identities not be revealed to the press or the public.”
Due to the public nature of the trial and the potential for backlash, the other victims will remain anonymous, though they will testify.
“This case has already received an exceptional amount of media coverage, which will presumably only increase as trial proceeds,” prosecutors wrote. “Permitting these measures will prevent unnecessary public disclosure of the victims’ identities, and the harassment from the media and others, undue embarrassment, and other adverse consequences that would almost certainly follow if these women were forced to reveal their true names publicly at trial.”
Combs’ trial is expected to last several weeks. He faces life in prison if convicted on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
