Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial in New York City continued to unfold with dramatic developments, including the dismissal of a juror and a surprise appearance by rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. These events occurred as the court heard compelling testimony from key witnesses detailing allegations against the music mogul.
Combs faces serious charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He has vehemently denied all allegations.
Juror Dismissed Over Residency Questions
A significant focus of recent proceedings centered on a male juror, ultimately leading to his dismissal from the panel. Questions arose about his candor regarding his primary residence. During jury selection, the juror, identified as a corrections officer from the Bronx, stated he lived in New York. However, conflicting information emerged suggesting he had recently moved or was primarily residing with his girlfriend in New Jersey.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian questioned the juror extensively but found the answers inconsistent, noting “serious questions” about his honesty and ability to follow instructions. The judge expressed concern about potential deception or having a juror with an agenda. Despite strong opposition from Combs’ defense team, who argued against removing the juror, particularly highlighting potential impacts on jury diversity, Judge Subramanian ultimately ruled to dismiss him. The defense had argued the prosecution was unfairly targeting the Black juror, a claim the judge rejected due to lack of evidence. An alternate juror is expected to take his place.
Ye Makes Surprise Courthouse Appearance
Adding to the day’s intrigue, rapper Ye made an unexpected appearance at the Manhattan federal courthouse. Dressed in all white, Ye arrived in a Maybach and confirmed to reporters that he was there to show support for Combs. He spent about 40 minutes in the building, briefly watching testimony from an overflow room, but did not enter the main courtroom. Ye was greeted outside by Combs’ son, Christian Combs, and entered the courthouse with him. This public display follows previous online support for Combs from Ye.
Explosive Witness Testimony
The trial featured detailed testimony from several key witnesses, providing potential insight into the government’s case:
Jonathan Perez, Former Assistant: Combs’ former personal assistant testified about his duties, which included helping to facilitate what were referred to as “king nights,” “hotel nights,” or “freak-offs.” He described preparing hotel rooms, packing items like food, clothing, condoms, lubricants (such as Astroglide and baby oil), and setting mood lighting. Perez also stated that acquiring drugs, including cocaine, Xanax, and molly, for Combs was part of his job, often receiving cash from a security guard for purchases. He testified Combs kept cash and various drugs in a Gucci pouch used during travel. Under cross-examination, Perez told the defense he never felt Combs’ former girlfriend (“Jane”) was unwilling to participate in these events and that “king nights” were personal, non-work related. He also described cleaning up hotel rooms afterward and noted participants would often appear tired and receive IVs. Perez recounted finding a sex tape involving “Jane” and another man with Combs watching, which he reported to management. He stated he left Combs’ employ to avoid legal trouble but held no ill will towards his former boss.
Special Agent Andre LeMon, Homeland Security Investigations: The agent who led the raid on Combs’ Los Angeles home testified about items seized as evidence. Agents found a significant arsenal of firearms, including long guns, AR-15 style weapons, and a Glock pistol. Notably, they also discovered 59 rounds of armor-piercing “green tip” ammunition. LeMon reported finding extraordinarily large quantities of lubricants: 900 bottles of Astroglide and 200 bottles of baby oil, noting that this amount of baby oil was unique in his trafficking investigations. Six envelopes marked “K” containing ketamine were also found in a nightstand. The defense has questioned the relevance of the firearms to the charges.
- “Jane,” Former Girlfriend: The trial continued to reference the extensive testimony of Combs’ former girlfriend, who testified for six days under a pseudonym. She described feeling pressured into “hotel nights” and stated the constant demand left her feeling “sore, tired, exhausted and overwhelmed.” She also testified about a physical altercation with Combs in 2024, after his civil lawsuit issues began. “Jane” alleged the fight escalated from an argument about another woman, leading to a physical struggle where she pushed Combs’ head into a counter and threw candles, before he allegedly physically assaulted her, kicking doors off hinges, putting her in a “chokehold,” and repeatedly punching and kicking her, including while she was on the ground. She described suffering visible injuries. “Jane” also recounted a secret 2024 trip to Las Vegas with a “famous rapper” close to Combs, where she witnessed an escort having sex with a woman in a hotel room party after attending dinner and a strip club. The defense objected to the secrecy surrounding the identities of others present during “hotel nights” and the Vegas trip, arguing for public transparency, while the prosecution contended this was a tactic to intimidate witnesses. “Jane” reportedly felt jealous of other women in Combs’ life. Under defense questioning, she agreed that Combs showed some positive changes after Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit was filed.
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Combs’ Demeanor and Defense
Combs, who is currently in jail following his arrest, has appeared engaged during the proceedings, passing notes to his legal team. A prosecutor reportedly complained to the judge that Combs was “nodding emphatically” during testimony he agreed with, which the defense countered was professional behavior. Combs’ defense strategy has reportedly included admitting to past domestic violence against a partner as a potential tactic to avoid federal prison, and broadly arguing that the prosecution is attempting to criminalize consensual adult sexual activity.
The trial continues, with the prosecution expected to potentially rest its case in the coming days. If convicted, Combs could face a minimum of 15 years up to life in prison on the federal charges. He also faces over 60 civil lawsuits.
