The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York, where he faces serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, experienced an unexpected halt this week. Court proceedings were abruptly canceled on Wednesday, June 18, 2024, after a juror reported feeling ill.
Presiding Judge Arun Subramanian announced the cancellation shortly after the expected start time, explaining that a juror experienced vertigo symptoms on their way to court and had to return home. This unexpected medical issue, described as possibly momentary, led the judge to excuse the entire jury for the day.
The delay means the trial, which was on its 26th day of testimony, will not resume until Friday, June 20. This extended pause is also due to Thursday, June 19, being a federal holiday in the U.S. in observance of Juneteenth.
Recent Courtroom Drama and Juror Issues
The sick juror is not the only procedural complication the high-profile trial has faced recently. Just days prior, on Monday, June 16, another juror, identified as Juror No. 6, was dismissed from the main panel. The reason given was inconsistencies regarding their declared place of residence, specifically whether they lived within the Southern District of New York or across state lines in New Jersey.
Combs’ legal defense team strongly objected to the dismissal of Juror No. 6, arguing it prejudiced their client and violated his right to a fair trial, particularly noting the juror was a 41-year-old Black male. The defense requested a mistrial based on this dismissal, but the judge denied both the objection and the motion. A 57-year-old accountant from Westchester subsequently replaced the dismissed juror.
Adding to the complexities, a second juror is reportedly under scrutiny and potentially facing dismissal over allegations of an improper conversation about the case with a former colleague. This issue was discussed in closed-door sessions, and the juror’s phone was reportedly inspected. A decision regarding this individual’s status was pending.
The court has also grappled with a leak of confidential information from one of these private meetings. On Tuesday, Judge Subramanian sternly reprimanded both the prosecution and defense teams, stating his belief that the leak originated from one of the involved parties. He issued a strong warning that any further violations of court orders or conduct rules would trigger a formal inquiry, requiring testimony under oath, device review, and potential civil or criminal sanctions.
Key Testimony and Evidence Revealed
Despite the procedural disruptions, the trial has seen significant and sometimes graphic evidence presented by the prosecution. On Tuesday, June 17, jurors were shown approximately 20 minutes of video footage created between 2012 and 2014, depicting what prosecutors described as Combs’ “freak offs.” These videos, shown in three to four-minute segments with jurors using headphones, reportedly depicted orchestrated sexual acts. While courtroom gallery monitors were off during this viewing, faint sounds were audible, and at least one agent on the stand appeared visibly uncomfortable.
Much of the recent testimony has focused on detailed accounts from witnesses who describe relationships and experiences with Combs. A key witness identified by the pseudonym “Jane” (also known as “Victim-2” in the indictment) testified about a relationship with Combs from 2021 to 2024. She described participating in lengthy “hotel nights,” sometimes lasting over 24 hours, involving orchestrated sexual acts with other men while Combs watched or participated. Jane alleged she felt obligated to participate due to her financial dependence on Combs, who paid her rent and provided a monthly allowance, and claimed he used financial threats if she objected. She also testified to alleged physical abuse by Combs, recounting a June 2024 incident involving hitting, a chokehold, kicking, and dragging, with photos of a cracked door presented as evidence. Jane detailed the physical toll of the “hotel nights” and alleged Combs pressured her regarding physical appearance details like nipple piercings. She also testified about her reaction to Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit and alleged threats by Combs to release sex tapes after their relationship deteriorated.
Another witness, Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura, testified about an alleged 2016 incident where Combs purportedly dangled her over a 17th-floor balcony. Bongolan is suing Combs for $10 million over this incident, citing lasting emotional distress. The defense has disputed her account.
Furthermore, phone and text records related to the widely publicized 2016 hotel hallway incident involving Combs and Cassie Ventura were shown. Evidence included text messages from Combs to Ventura after she left the hotel, pleading for her return and falsely claiming he was about to be arrested. Records also indicated staff involvement, with Combs’ then-chief of staff and bodyguard contacting hotel security and checking on Ventura’s condition the following day.
Upcoming Witness and Trial Context
Prosecutors are expected to call a few more witnesses before resting their case. Among those anticipated is Brendan Paul, Combs’ former assistant. Paul was previously mentioned in a civil lawsuit alleging he acted as Combs’ “Mule,” involved in procuring drugs and potentially negotiating for sex workers. Paul was arrested during the March 2024 federal raids on Combs’ properties, though a cocaine possession charge against him was later dropped after completing a pre-trial diversion course. He has reportedly been granted immunity to testify in the current trial.
Sean Combs, 55, faces federal charges stemming from the ongoing investigation, including one count of racketeering, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors are utilizing the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, alleging Combs coerced victims through intimidation and narcotics to participate in these acts. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all five counts. As is standard for federal criminal proceedings, the trial is not being televised.
Other notable moments in court have included Judge Subramanian warning Combs about making facial expressions or nodding towards the jury, an issue regarding the identification of another anonymous witness (“Mia”) being potentially revealed by a media outlet, and a brief visit to the courthouse by Kanye West in apparent support of Combs.
With the trial set to resume on Friday, June 20, attention remains on the potentially final stages of the prosecution’s case and the beginning of the defense presentation in this complex and high-stakes legal battle.
