Juror Dismissed from Diddy Trial Over Inconsistencies
Juror Removed from Diddy’s Trial Over Alleged Deception, Defense Cries Foul
A juror serving in the federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been dismissed after a judge ruled that the man gave inconsistent and potentially misleading information about his place of residence—raising concerns about his honesty and fitness to serve.
The decision, announced by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday, followed days of closed-door discussions between attorneys and the court about discrepancies in the juror’s statements.
During initial jury selection, the man had stated in a written questionnaire that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancée and daughter. However, he later informed a court official that he had moved in with his girlfriend in New Jersey.
In a private court session, the juror claimed he still stayed in the Bronx four to five nights a week for work and jury duty—at one point saying he lived with an aunt there, though he had not previously mentioned her.
Judge Subramanian cited what he called “several inconsistencies” in the juror’s sworn statements and prior interviews.
“These inconsistencies raise significant concerns about the juror’s candour and suggest he may have attempted to shape his answers to get on the jury,” the judge said. “The integrity of the trial requires his removal.”
The juror has since been replaced by a 57-year-old white male alternate from Westchester County.
Combs’ legal team strongly opposed the dismissal. Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson argued that inconsistencies about a New Yorker’s living arrangements shouldn’t be equated with dishonesty, noting that many people commute or split time between the city and neighboring states like New Jersey.
He emphasized that the dismissed juror, a Black man, was part of what he called “the most diverse jury” he’d seen in his 30-year career.
“This is a big deal to me and my client,” Donaldson said. “Removing him is a step backward.”
He accused the court of undervaluing the racial dynamics of the jury and requested a mistrial if the juror were dismissed. “I don’t generally play the race card unless I have it in my hand,” he added.
Federal prosecutors pushed back on the notion that race played any role in their request to dismiss the juror. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey insisted that the issue centered solely on credibility.
“The fact that we have a diverse jury is a wonderful thing,” she said, “but it doesn’t negate our responsibility to ensure each juror is honest and impartial.”
Judge Subramanian firmly rejected any racial implication, stating, “The court cannot and should not let race influence its decision.”
He concluded, “There is nothing the juror can say now to put the genie back in the bottle. His credibility is irreparably damaged.”
The trial, now in its sixth week, centers on federal charges against Combs, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
The prosecution is expected to conclude its case by the end of the week, after which the defense will begin calling witnesses.
The jury comprises eight men and four women, with six alternates.
The outcome of the case could have far-reaching consequences for Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry who has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty.
Juror Dismissed from Diddy Trial Over Inconsistencies