A juror in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial may be removed after providing conflicting statements about his residency.
A report from NBC News reveals that Juror No. 6 was dismissed on Friday and is likely to be substituted by an alternate juror. Initially, during the jury selection process, the juror claimed to live in the Bronx. However, prosecutors alleged that he later disclosed to a court staff member that he had recently relocated to New Jersey.
Judge Arun Subramanian spoke with the juror, who clarified that although he is in the midst of moving to New Jersey, he still considers himself a resident of New York. He mentioned that he stays in the city during the week and holds a New York driver’s license. Given that the trial is taking place in a federal court in Manhattan, only individuals residing in New York are eligible to serve on the jury.
Subramanian expressed concerns about the juror’s statements, questioning his honesty and the discrepancies in his account.
He reportedly plans to speak with the juror again Monday before making a final decision on his removal.
Legal representatives for Combs contended that the relocation issue is an apparent attempt to disqualify a Black juror and raised concerns that Subramanian might be incorrectly linking inconsistencies with deliberate falsehoods.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, outside a Manhattan hotel on federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has been denied bail three times, with Judge Andrew L. Carter citing a “serious risk” of witness tampering.
Combs faces accusations of committing or facilitating sexual abuse in over 30 lawsuits.
On May 1, Combs rejected a plea deal in his federal sex trafficking and racketeering case. Jury selection and the trial began on May 12 and are expected to last two months.
Check back for updates.
Featured Image: FILE – Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives at the Billboard Music Awards, May 15, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File
