A federal judge overseeing the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs removed a juror Monday after determining that the individual’s statements about residency lacked credibility, prompting concerns about transparency during the proceedings, as reported by Fox News.
The juror was dismissed ahead of scheduled testimony in the high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering case.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian announced the removal of Juror No. 6 after prosecutors identified inconsistencies between the juror’s claims made during voir dire and information disclosed during a closed-door inquiry last week.
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“There is nothing the juror can say at this point that can put the genie back in the bottle and repair his credibility,” Judge Subramanian said in court.
The prosecution raised the issue Friday, stating that Juror No. 6 had disclosed recently moving to New Jersey with his girlfriend and had been staying there during most of the trial.
However, the juror claimed he was spending four to five nights a week in New York and maintained that he lived in New York City.
Prosecutors argued that these statements directly contradicted the juror’s original testimony during jury selection, when he said he lived in the Bronx with his fiancée and daughter. The government highlighted the inconsistencies as potentially disqualifying.
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Judge Subramanian agreed, stating that either the juror was unable to follow clear instructions or was deliberately deceptive. He noted “serious questions” about the juror’s candor and found no evidence of misconduct by the prosecution.
The defense objected to the dismissal, requesting that the juror remain seated due to concerns about maintaining diversity on the panel. Combs’ legal team also sought a mistrial if the juror were removed.
Judge Subramanian rejected that request, stating, “The court cannot and should not let race factor into what it should do.”
Juror No. 6 was replaced with the first alternate juror. The judge affirmed that the jury composition remained appropriate and did not raise any concerns regarding diversity.
Additionally, a potential issue with a second juror emerged Monday morning. While no details were shared publicly, the juror was instructed to remain after trial testimony concluded for additional questioning.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently facing federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. The trial continues in the Southern District of New York.
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