Kanye West dragged into sensational Diddy trial as jurors quizzed on star witness list

The rap mogul Combs, 55, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday as jury selection got underway in a case that could see him jailed for decades. But it was West's name that stunned the courtroom when a potential juror - a scientist in his 40s - said he recognised it from a list of possible trial mentions, reported the

The man told the court that although he was familiar with West, nothing he knew would affect his ability to remain impartial.

West is not a defendant in the case but has defended Combs in recent weeks, posting controversial messages and touting a clothing collaboration with the earlier this year.

He wasn't the only celebrity name thrown into the mix. Jurors were handed a lengthy list of public figures potentially relevant to the trial - a list that prompted Judge Arun Subramanian to quip it felt like an "appendix from Lord of the Rings."

To streamline the process, jurors will now receive the list in advance before being questioned individually.

Also included in the sprawling document were actor Michael B. Jordan, comedian Mike Myers, Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams, actress Lauren London - known for her relationship with the late rapper Nipsey Hussle - and rapper Kid Cudi. Their links to the case remain unclear.

The scale of the trial is enormous, covering events dating back to 2004 and stretching across multiple states. Dozens of prospective jurors heard a summary of the charges, which include sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Judge Subramanian reminded them that Combs has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent.

Combs, who has been locked up in a grim Brooklyn federal facility since September, appeared in court wearing a sweater over a white shirt and grey slacks, an outfit the judge allowed in place of jail attire. Now 55, Combs' hair and goatee appeared almost fully grey, as dye is banned behind bars.

Unlike other celebrity cases, the trial won't be televised due to federal court restrictions on electronic devices - meaning courtroom sketch artists will provide the only visual record.

The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, and if found guilty, Combs faces decades behind bars.

During jury selection, some jurors admitted they had seen news reports showing a key piece of evidence: a 2016 video of Combs hitting and kicking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. One woman described a still from the footage as "damning evidence" and was promptly dismissed.

After another juror was struck off, Combs nervously asked for a bathroom break, telling the judge, "I'm sorry your honor, I'm a little nervous today."

The case has gripped the public and media alike, with the 17-page indictment painting a shocking picture of a two-decade campaign of abuse. Prosecutors claim Combs ran an organised criminal enterprise akin to a Mafia boss or drug kingpin, using his entourage and business employees to manipulate, coerce and brutalise victims.

According to the indictment, Combs lured women into drug-fuelled sexual encounters with male sex workers, events he reportedly called "Freak Offs." Prosecutors say he used his influence in the entertainment world to reward compliance and punish defiance - at times turning to violence, kidnapping, arson, and even dangling someone off a balcony.

Combs and his legal team deny all charges, insisting that any sexual activity was consensual and nothing amounted to a criminal enterprise.