The sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues in New York City, as jurors sift through a trove of potentially damaging text messages related to abuse, drug use, and the founder of Bad Boy Records’ alleged vulnerabilities, as outlined by his former top aide, Kristina Khorram. Notably, the jury has changed, with one juror dismissed and replaced by an alternate.
Judge Arun Subramanian affirmed a decision made back on June 13 to remove Juror No. 6, despite objections from the defense. His exit will not stall the trial proceedings, as the alternate juror has already stepped in.
Combs, 55, whose legal troubles escalated after his September 2024 arrest in a Manhattan hotel by law enforcement and federal agents, faces serious accusations including racketeering and sex trafficking. As the trial unfolds, testimonies from Combs’ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, previous romantic partners, women who allege abuse, male escorts, past employees, Grammy-winning artist Kid Cudi, and law enforcement officials are set to play a crucial role. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
The dismissed juror, a 41-year-old Black man employed at a state correctional facility, raised concerns during jury selection when he provided inconsistent information about his residence, whether in New York City or New Jersey with his fiancée. Judge Subramanian noted last week, “The changing answers and inconsistency give the court worry about deception and lying,” leading him to deliberate over the weekend before making a final determination.
In a follow-up letter to the court, the defense reiterated its request for a mistrial, alleging racial bias within the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. Defense attorney Alexandra A.E. Shapiro stated, “Unfortunately, when considered against that background, it is impossible to believe that this motion is merely a good-faith attempt to raise a valid question about the juror’s integrity.” Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton dismissed these accusations, asserting that the removal was based on the juror’s inconsistent statements, not on race.
Prior to the jury’s arrival on Monday, Judge Subramanian reiterated that Juror No. 6 would be excused. Addressing the courtroom, he remarked, “The defense asked the Court to base its decision on race. That would be inappropriate.” The new Juror No. 6 is a 57-year-old White manufacturing architect residing in Westchester County.
With the prosecution expected to conclude its case later this week, the defense anticipates it could take four weeks to present its arguments. At the trial’s commencement, the judge estimated it would wrap up by the July 4 holiday, a timeline that now seems increasingly unlikely.