The ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs faced a disruption Monday after one of the jurors was removed when doubts arose regarding his address. The judge officially dismissed a man from the jury due to uncertainty surrounding his actual place of residence.
Juror number 6 in Diddy’s sex trafficking and racketeering court trial is a 41-year-old Black man who had originally told the court that he lived in the Bronx. However, doubts emerged about whether he was truthful when conflicting information pointed to a possible New Jersey address instead. These discrepancies sparked extended courtroom discussions last Friday, with attorneys and the judge weighing whether the juror had deliberately misled the court.
By Monday, the judge confirmed that the situation was deeply concerning, as the juror’s honesty is being questioned. Questions also arise regarding whether he had manipulated his responses to secure a spot on the panel.
The juror was ultimately dismissed. This gave way for a 57-year-old white male from Westchester to step in as his replacement. With this change, five alternate jurors remain available for the remainder of the trial.
Following the substitution, testimony resumed. A paralegal from the U.S. attorney’s office took the stand to discuss digital messages tied to Combs’ personal assistant, Kristina Khorram. These communications reportedly included details about organising a “hotel night”, a topic the prosecution believes is relevant to their case.
Diddy’s legal team has since expressed concern over the removal, accusing the prosecution of targeting the juror because of his race. In a letter to Judge Subramanian, they argued that dismissing the juror would discourage participation from people of colour and noted that the individual had answered all preliminary questions honestly. They also pointed out that five of the twelve remaining jurors are Black, with eight being people of colour.
The 55-year-old producer pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was arrested in September and has remained in custody without bail. If convicted on the charges he faces, he could be sentenced to life in prison.
Judge Subramanian had previously warned Diddy about his conduct during court proceedings, stating that the rapper had been nodding at jurors and making gestures while witnesses were testifying. “This can’t continue,” the judge cautioned.