A juror in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial was dismissed by Judge Arun Subramanian due to concerns over the juror’s candor. The dismissal came after lead prosecutor Maurene Comey requested the juror’s removal, citing “a lack of candor”.
The juror, a 41-year-old Black male, had provided conflicting accounts of his living situation, initially stating he resided in the Bronx, New York, but later revealing he had moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend.
Combs’ lawyers opposed the removal, arguing that the prosecution’s request was racially motivated and would substantially prejudice their client. They claimed the juror’s dismissal would impact the jury’s composition, as he was one of only two Black men on the panel. “We didn’t know about the residency issue during voir dire,” Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos said, adding that dismissing the juror would be unfair.
Judge Subramanian disagreed, stating that the juror’s inconsistent statements raised questions about his “basic qualifications to serve” and potentially indicated an agenda or purpose to stay on the jury. The judge denied Combs’ lawyers’ request for a mistrial if the juror was dismissed.
The trial, which has entered its sixth week, centers around charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and fraud. Combs faces a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted. The dismissal of the juror is the latest development in a case marked by controversy, including a supporter being escorted out of the courtroom for yelling out in support of Combs.
The trial’s progression has seen other dramatic moments, including a supporter of Sean “Diddy” Combs being escorted out of the courtroom for yelling out in support of the rapper. The individual, seated in the overflow room, screamed, “Everyone is laughing at Diddy,” and “It’s not right what they’re doing to him,” prompting Judge Arun Subramanian to call it “unacceptable” and warn that further incidents could result in Combs’ exclusion from the courtroom.
Kanye West made a surprise appearance at the trial, spending about 40 minutes watching proceedings on a monitor in an overflow room. Combs’ family members, including his mother Janice Combs and several of his children, have consistently attended the trial. Prosecutors expect to conclude their case later this week, after which Combs’ defense team will begin presenting their case.