Global K-pop sensation BTS unexpectedly became a trending topic on May 13 after being mentioned during the first hearing of hip-hop mogul Diddy‘s high-profile sex crime trial. As news spread, fans and netizens alike were left stunned, questioning why the seven-member group was brought up in such a controversial context.
The confusion arose from a social media post by journalist Stephanie Soo, who attended the court session. Since federal court rules prohibit filming, all updates must come through attendee reports, making Soo’s firsthand account particularly noteworthy.
According to Soo, BTS was referenced during the jury selection process. Specifically, one potential juror casually mentioned having attended a BTS concert when discussing their music preferences. The inclusion of this detail caught public attention, but legal experts have clarified that it had no direct connection to the trial’s content or allegations.
The context behind this unusual mention lies in how jury selection works. Jurors are often asked various personal questions—including about their interests and biases—to ensure they can view the case fairly. In this instance, the potential juror’s BTS concert experience was likely brought up to assess musical biases, given Diddy’s career as a music industry titan.
Importantly, BTS was not referenced by either the prosecution or defense. Their mention was purely incidental, a reflection of a juror’s personal life rather than anything related to the charges.
Currently, the jury pool has been narrowed to 43 individuals, from which 12 jurors (8 men and 4 women) will be selected. Diddy’s legal team has already raised concerns of racial bias among potential jurors, but Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the accusations, affirming that the jury selection process adhered to neutral and non-discriminatory principles.
At the center of the trial, Diddy faces five serious charges, including conspiracy to commit extortion, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution-related activity. He has pled not guilty to all counts. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
