TMZ Hip Hop - Page 36

Potential jurors in Diddy's federal sex trafficking trial are getting grilled on topics like sex and violence before they get picked ... because they're being warned the case will include graphic content and some upsetting things they're expected to handle like grown-ups.

TMZ obtained the questionnaire being given to prospective jurors ... and there's an emphasis on the graphic nature of the allegations against Diddy.

For instance, the questionnaire asks ... "The charges in this case involve allegations of kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Is there anything about the nature of these allegations that would make it difficult for you to be fair and impartial?"

Aubrey O'Day is in Japan, but it seems she's got a courthouse in Manhattan on the brain ... because she appears to be throwing some major shade at her old boss at the start of his criminal trial.

The former Danity Kane singer posted a bunch of photos from her trip to Japan on Instagram, but the most interesting thing was the caption -- "Your Honor…"

Aubrey seems to be referencing Diddy's sex trafficking trial in New York City.

Diddy is no O.J. Simpson ... at least as it pertains to one significant aspect of their trials.

TMZ has learned ... there are currently NO plans to sequester the jury in the Diddy sex trafficking trial in NYC.

We obtained the questionnaire sent out to potential jurors, with jury selection beginning Monday, and it tells them, "There are no plans to sequester the jury, which means you will go home every day after court."

Lil Uzi’s back in the mix, making his big Instagram comeback after a medical emergency last month that had him laid up in the hospital.

The rapper was back to doing his thing, dropping a bunch of short clips Monday  -- skateboarding around what looked like his recording studio.

Looks like Uzi’s back to full energy -- he even used his caption to thank fans for all the love, and kept things optimistic, saying he knows this summer’s gonna be a good one for him.

Lance Bass went all out for his 46th birthday ... spending the weekend partying in Las Vegas, and getting pulled onstage by Nelly.

The NSYNC singer was at Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World on Sunday when Nelly brought him onstage for a surprise performance ... and the crowd went bananas.

TMZ obtained video of the Lance-Nelly gig ... and they performed their hit from back in the day, "Girlfriend," which was a collab between NSYNC and Nelly.

Diddy's got all sorts of emotions as jury selection begins in his sex trafficking trial ... and he sounds anxious.

The Bad Boy Records founder is in court as potential jurors are questioned by the judge ... and at one point Diddy spoke up to reveal some of the nerves he's feeling.

Diddy told the judge, "I'm sorry your honor, I'm a little nervous today."

Diddy is already facing off with prosecutors in his sex trafficking trial that kicked off Monday in an NYC courtroom ... but he may also have to stare down several accusers who have filed civil lawsuits against him, TMZ has learned.

Florida-based attorney Ariel Mitchell -- who represents 3 of Diddy's alleged victims in civil cases and potentially a fourth -- says she might fly up to the Big Apple to attend the music mogul's federal criminal trial ... with her clients.

As you know, Diddy is on trial for allegedly committing a slew of crimes, including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He's also accused of forcing women to engage in "Freak Offs" ... marathon sex sessions that include male sex workers, according to federal prosecutors.

On the first day of the Diddy trial, the judge is asking prospective jurors about their celebrity knowledge and their own personal backgrounds, based on answers to a lengthy questionnaire each has already filled out ... and one candidate has an occupation and a family relation that could affect both sides of the case.

In a packed NYC courthouse Monday morning, federal judge Arun Subramanian began questioning possible jurors -- and Juror No. 2's job is particularly interesting in the context of Diddy's alleged crimes ... as is his sister's relationship past.

Juror 2 happens to be a massage therapist -- who probably knows a thing or two about baby oil, which will play a HUGE role in the Diddy case. As you know, Diddy bought baby oil in bulk to use during his "Freak Offs," which are marathon sexual encounters between Diddy, his girlfriends and a male escort, according to a federal indictment.

The first day of the federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs began this morning with some lighthearted comments by the judge ... who mentions Diddy's various nicknames over the years, and nods to the size of the potential jury pool and the length of the questionnaire each individual filled out.

As proceedings got formally underway, Judge Arun Subramanian made a remark comparing the size of the list of prospective jurors that both sides will question on the stand -- and the questionnaire of people and places in the case -- to the famously vast "Lord of the Rings" trilogy of novels.

As you know, there are many challenges on both sides for jury selection, which is expected to take several days.

Diddy will finally face a jury of his peers who will determine his fate for the rest of his life ... but finding the right jury -- for each side -- is gonna be a Herculean task.

The defense will have a much more difficult time, because there's no such thing as an unbiased jury. Good luck finding a prospective juror in New York City -- or anywhere else in this country, for that matter -- that hasn't formed an opinion about this case.

Since the public view is Diddy is guilty, prosecutors have a big edge. As for the defense, the way to go about asking questions regarding bias is NOT simply asking if a prospective juror can have an open mind. The way to do it ... they ask if prospective jurors have ever held a view that was important to them but were able to change their mind, and they need to be specific.

Jury selection just kicked off in Diddy's federal trial, and it’s a total madhouse -- with some people getting paid just to stand in line for others to snag spots inside the courthouse.

We caught the chaos at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on Monday -- some folks told us they had been in line since the night before, saving spots for people who paid them to do the heavy lifting.

One line-holder told us he was getting $32 per hour to hold a place in line, though he admitted the going rate is more like $25 per hour. Any bit of extra income helps with inflation, particularly in Manhattan! Another clip on X showed just how absurd the line was to get into the courthouse for the jury selection ... so paying someone to save a spot makes sense.

The fashion elite hit the Pre-Met Gala Dinner -- and the style game was already fire before the main event even kicked off.

It all popped off at Vogue queen Anna Wintour’s pre-Met gala at her NYC home Sunday -- A$AP Rocky rolled in sharp as ever, while Serena Williams served full glam in a bridal-esque gown with a dramatic feathered shrug.

With A$AP in the building, you know Rihanna wasn’t far behind -- rocking an androgynous-chic look with a belted blazer, tailored slacks, and a poppin’ red lip.

Seal and Heidi Klum's daughter turned 21 over the weekend, and it was complete with a heartfelt serenade from her famous father.

The model celebrated her milestone birthday in the early hours at Miami club, E11EVEN. Leni showed up around 1 AM in a party bus with around 20 friends.

The group sat at a VIP table, where a glowing sign bearing Leni’s name lit up and a parade of oversized alcohol bottles set the tone for the night.

Tina Knowles found herself in a fashion mishap -- but leave it to Keke Palmer to turn a wardrobe emergency into comedy gold.

The matriarch was in Los Angeles on Friday to promote her new memoir when her strapless dress began to slip mid-conversation. Keke, who moderated the evening, leapt into action, steadying Tina and easing the moment with her signature wit.

Video posted on TikTok shows Palmer helping Beyonce's mom readjust the dress while a stylist quickly jumped in.

Cassie Ventura dated Diddy for more than a decade ... and, now she'll likely deliver some of the most important testimony at his federal trial, starting later this month.

The singer-songwriter has played a large role in Diddy's life no doubt ... and, we're going to recap her last couple years as they pertain to Diddy's life -- beginning in late 2023 when she filed a civil lawsuit against him.

Back in November of that year, Cassie sued Diddy ... accusing him of rape, human trafficking and other crimes. It was also the first time anyone had made mention of the alleged "freak offs" prosecutors claim Diddy had -- with Cassie claiming he coordinated sexual encounters between her and male prostitutes and pleasured himself while watching.

It’s that time of year again -- the Met Gala, AKA fashion’s biggest flex, where the crème de la crème suit up for this year’s theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

You can bet people are gonna show up with their wildest, most creative spins on all things structured, shapely, and custom -- and if past Met looks are anything to go by, this year’s about to be straight fire!

Zendaya and J Lo showed up last year like straight-up fairytale goddesses for the "Garden of Time" vibe -- and yep, as you can see by the rest of our gallery, plenty of others came to slay too.