The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continued this week with dramatic developments, including a sharp rebuke from the judge and persistent issues surrounding the jury selection. Presiding Judge Arun Subramanian issued a stern warning to both the defense and prosecution teams on Tuesday morning, citing violations of a court sealing order.
Judge Warns Against Leaks
Judge Subramanian directly addressed the parties, stating that one or more individuals in the courtroom had improperly revealed details from a private proceeding held just days earlier. He referenced a media article as evidence of this breach. The judge reminded counsel that the defense team had originally requested the very gag order that was reportedly violated.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Judge Subramanian warned that such violations could potentially lead to contempt charges at the most severe level. He placed personal responsibility for the conduct of their teams squarely on the shoulders of the lead attorneys: Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey and defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. “The buck stops with you,” the judge stated in court, making it clear this was his only warning and demanding affirmation from each side that they would strictly adhere to court rules moving forward.
Ongoing Jury Issues Plague Proceedings
Juror drama continued to cast a shadow over the trial as it entered its 24th day of testimony. Before proceedings began on Monday, Juror No. 6 was dismissed from the case. Discussion regarding this juror’s potential removal had started the previous week after the prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in his statements concerning his residency.
Judge Subramanian ultimately determined that the juror’s credibility could not be repaired, stating, “There is nothing the juror can say at this point that can put the genie back in the bottle.” Combs’ legal team had argued against the dismissal, citing concerns about the juror’s ethnicity and requesting a mistrial if he were removed. However, the judge dismissed these arguments, stating that race should not be a factor in the court’s decision and that the current jury composition did not raise diversity concerns. He found no evidence of prosecutorial misconduct related to the dismissal. Juror No. 6 was subsequently replaced by the first alternate juror.
Adding to the jury scrutiny, the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated in a letter filed Monday that they do not oppose additional fact-finding regarding a second trial juror. This potential inquiry involves possible communications between this juror and a former colleague about their jury service. While the defense reportedly argued that this second juror should also be excused if Juror No. 6 was removed, the government disagreed with linking the two issues but remained open to further questioning.
Trial Evidence Presented: Videos, Texts, and Charges
During Tuesday’s session, the court presented notable evidence to the jury. Witness Special Agent DeLeassa Penland testified, and the jury was shown videos reportedly depicting “freak offs” involving Combs, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and a male escort. To maintain privacy, the exhibit screen was reportedly turned off, and jurors along with the witness were provided headphones to view clips from October 14, 2012, and later from December 2014. The defense lawyer reportedly played these videos for roughly 30 minutes. Despite initial technical glitches causing audio to be audible, the issue was resolved. Combs was observed tapping his fingers on his legs during the video presentation.
Special Agent Penland also testified about credit card charges that allegedly covered hotel bookings and travel for Combs, Ventura, and male escorts. During cross-examination, text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura regarding the “freak offs” were presented. One exchange reportedly included a September 2014 message from Combs asking Ventura what she wanted to do, followed by Ventura sharing a screenshot from a male escort. Their subsequent texts included Combs asking if she wanted to have a “freak off,” to which Ventura responded, “I wanna freak-off for the rest of our lives.”
The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was reportedly arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, continues amidst intense scrutiny and legal maneuvering surrounding both the evidence and the composition of the jury itself.
References
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