A juror on the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial has been dismissed following discrepancies regarding his residence. The decision was made after Judge Arun Subramanian noted several “inconsistencies” in the juror’s statements during the trial. Initially, during jury selection, the juror stated that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancé and baby daughter. However, during a casual conversation later, he mentioned moving in with his girlfriend in New Jersey.
Further questioning revealed that the juror claimed to have an apartment in the Bronx for weekday use while also spending time with his daughter and her mother in New Jersey. The judge found multiple inconsistencies regarding the juror’s living situation, which led to concerns about his honesty and the potential impact on the trial’s integrity. Judge Subramanian emphasized the importance of removing jurors who appear to have a “personal agenda,” ensuring the court’s fairness, and noted the availability of six alternate jurors to maintain trial integrity.
Despite the dismissal, Combs’ lawyer, Xavier Donaldson, objected, asserting that moving between New York City and New Jersey is common and asserting that the juror could follow instructions. He expressed concerns about the potential impact of removing a Black male juror, which he felt would be detrimental to the diversity of the jury. Federal prosecutors, however, maintained that their decisions were based on the juror’s conduct rather than race and acknowledged the jury’s diversity as a positive aspect.
The trial, which has now entered its sixth week, sees Combs facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, with the prosecution expecting to conclude its case soon.
This situation underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in the judicial process, highlighting how crucial it is for jurors to provide consistent and accurate information. The ongoing trial will continue to be scrutinized as it progresses.