Josh Mankiewicz

Combs faces two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering conspiracy.

Combs faces two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering conspiracy.

Paul Butler is a former federal prosecutor turned law professor and MSNBC legal analyst.

Paul Butler is a former federal prosecutor turned law professor and MSNBC legal analyst.

Sex trafficking sort of makes you think of international rings. Is that what's going on here?

Sex trafficking sort of makes you think of international rings. Is that what's going on here?

Combs offered up collateral for bail. Prosecutors argued that to protect their case... Combs needed to stay behind bars.

Combs offered up collateral for bail. Prosecutors argued that to protect their case... Combs needed to stay behind bars.

On the first day of jury selection, a now gray-haired Sean Combs told the judge he was nervous. It's expected the jurors will see some of the recorded sex acts as evidence. It's also expected Combs' defense will say none of that is a crime because Combs is a swinger, not a sex criminal. And presumably part of the defense is going to be, yeah, this looks...

On the first day of jury selection, a now gray-haired Sean Combs told the judge he was nervous. It's expected the jurors will see some of the recorded sex acts as evidence. It's also expected Combs' defense will say none of that is a crime because Combs is a swinger, not a sex criminal. And presumably part of the defense is going to be, yeah, this looks...

creepy, weird, and outside the bounds of normal behavior to some people, maybe, but not to everyone. And all of it was consensual.

creepy, weird, and outside the bounds of normal behavior to some people, maybe, but not to everyone. And all of it was consensual.

The indictment lists four victims anonymously. During jury selection, the government told the court they were having trouble reaching one of their alleged victims. Cassie Ventura, however, is still expected to testify.

The indictment lists four victims anonymously. During jury selection, the government told the court they were having trouble reaching one of their alleged victims. Cassie Ventura, however, is still expected to testify.

The defense tried to keep that video out of the trial, saying what aired on CNN was altered and sped up, making it inaccurate. CNN denies altering the video, and the judge ruled it can be entered into evidence. Combs' lawyers admit there was domestic violence in the relationship, but will say in court it was mutual.

The defense tried to keep that video out of the trial, saying what aired on CNN was altered and sped up, making it inaccurate. CNN denies altering the video, and the judge ruled it can be entered into evidence. Combs' lawyers admit there was domestic violence in the relationship, but will say in court it was mutual.

Prosecutors will likely say what this shows is evidence of coercion, something they need to prove in connection with sex trafficking. And as evidence of racketeering, the prosecution alleges Combs directed his underlings to pay hotel personnel for the video. It will be up to a jury to decide as the United States versus Sean Combs gets underway.

Prosecutors will likely say what this shows is evidence of coercion, something they need to prove in connection with sex trafficking. And as evidence of racketeering, the prosecution alleges Combs directed his underlings to pay hotel personnel for the video. It will be up to a jury to decide as the United States versus Sean Combs gets underway.

The trial is expected to last roughly two months. If found guilty on all charges, Sean Combs could be sentenced to life in prison.

The trial is expected to last roughly two months. If found guilty on all charges, Sean Combs could be sentenced to life in prison.