Nationwide — Sean “Diddy” Combs will soon face a high-profile federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, and leading the prosecution is a team of six white female attorneys — a fact Diddy’s defense team says is not a coincidence. TMZ reports that the prosecution is spearheaded by Maurene Comey, a seasoned Assistant U.S. Attorney and daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, whose controversial tenure and dismissal by Donald Trump in 2017 made national headlines. Jury selection begins next week in the Southern District of New York, one of the most powerful and high-profile prosecutorial offices in the country.Maurene Comey, a graduate of Harvard Law School, is no stranger to major sex crime cases. She played a key role in the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime associate, on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Known for her meticulous preparation and trial acumen, Comey’s involvement signals the government’s intent to present a tough and well-coordinated case against the music mogul.
Joining Comey on the prosecution team are five other women with strong credentials. Emily Anne Johnson, a trial attorney with expertise in organized crime, has led complex investigations into human trafficking and narcotics conspiracies. Madison Reddick Smyser, who previously clerked for a federal judge, has handled high-stakes white-collar and sex crime cases. Mary Christine Slavik is known for her work on public corruption and interstate criminal enterprise cases, while Meredith Foster specializes in digital forensics and crimes involving electronic evidence. Mitzi Steiner, the most junior of the group, has quickly gained a reputation for her tenacity and sharp courtroom presence.
The composition of the prosecution team has already been noted by Diddy’s legal counsel, Marc Agnifilo, who suggests the all-white, all-female team reflects an intentional strategy. He claims this case is part of a broader “takedown of a successful Black man” and suggests racial dynamics will be central to the defense’s arguments. The prosecution, however, may be counting on female jurors identifying with the alleged victims, many of whom are women of color.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all five federal charges: two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering. He has rejected a plea deal reportedly offered by federal prosecutors, opting instead to fight the charges at trial. The outcome could have major implications not just for Diddy’s legacy, but for how high-profile sexual misconduct cases are prosecuted moving forward.