Jury selection began today (5/5) in New York in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty on all counts, insisting that any sex acts were consensual — but prosecutors say for years he coerced victims into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.

At a recent hearing, his attorney Marc Agnifilo offered a preview of his team’s defense by describing the artist’s “swinger” lifestyle.

The prosecution said it had offered Combs a plea deal — the specifics were not disclosed but that he had rejected it.

The high-profile trial attracted a long line of media and other court watchers early Monday hoping to get inside for jury selection, which is expected to wrap up in about a week.

Opening statements are scheduled for May 12, and the proceedings will last an estimated eight to 10 weeks.

Combs faces one charge of racketeering conspiracy, the federal statute known by its acronym RICO that was once primarily used to target the mafia but in recent years has been wielded in cases of sexual abuse, including against the fallen R&B star R. Kelly.

It allows government attorneys to project a long view of criminal activity rather than prosecuting isolated sex crimes.

If convicted, Diddy could spend the rest of his life in prison.