Juror Removed from Sean “Diddy” Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Due to Inconsistent Testimony
A juror in the sex trafficking trial of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has been dismissed following inconsistencies in his statements regarding his residence. During jury selection, the juror indicated on a questionnaire that he resided in the Bronx, New York. However, he later informed court staff that he had relocated to New Jersey to live with his girlfriend.
Judge Arun Subramanian cited “several inconsistencies” between the juror’s statements in court transcripts, suggesting a potential attempt to mislead the court to secure jury selection.
Combs’ legal team opposed the dismissal, arguing that removing a Black male juror would cause “substantial prejudice” to their client.
The dismissed juror has been replaced by an alternate juror, a 57-year-old white male from Westchester.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution.
The potential juror dismissal was debated by legal counsel for a week, with lead prosecutor Maurene Comey citing a “lack of candor” as grounds for removal.
The prosecution highlighted the juror’s admission of recently moving to New Jersey, stating he resided there for the majority of the trial. In private questioning, however, he claimed to stay in a Bronx apartment during weekdays for work and jury duty.
This contradicted his earlier statement in a prospective juror interview, where he indicated residing in the Bronx with his fiancée and daughter. Further inconsistencies emerged regarding his prior mention of living with an aunt.
Judge Subramanian found these inconsistencies to be significant, suggesting an attempt to “shade answers” and raising concerns about the juror’s honesty and ability to follow instructions.
With six alternate jurors available, the judge deemed the juror’s removal necessary to maintain the integrity of the court proceedings.
Combs’ lawyer, Xavier Donaldson, countered, arguing that commuting between New York City and New Jersey is common and that the court was “equating inconsistencies with lying.” He also expressed confidence in the juror’s ability to follow instructions.
Donaldson’s primary objection centered on the racial implications of the dismissal, emphasizing the jury’s diversity, a rarity in his three-decade career. He viewed the removal as “a step backward.”
The defense requested a mistrial if the juror was dismissed, while the prosecution rejected accusations of racial bias, emphasizing the jury’s commendable diversity.
The judge ultimately stated that race could not be a factor in the decision, asserting that the juror’s credibility was irreparably damaged.
The jury now comprises eight men and four women, plus six alternates. The trial, in its sixth week, is expected to conclude the prosecution’s case this week, followed by the defense’s presentation.
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