The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of the most successful rappers and music moguls in the US, began with jury selection in New York on Monday. If the jury is selected this week, lawyers on both sides will be expected to offer their opening statements on Monday to the seated jurors.

For more than two decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was one of hip-hop’s most opportunistic entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show.