Introduction to the Case
A juror in the sex trafficking trial of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs has been removed due to giving inconsistent answers about his place of residence. The juror initially stated that he lived in the Bronx area of New York during the jury selection process. However, he later informed a court employee that he had moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend.
Inconsistencies in the Juror’s Statements
Judge Arun Subramanian found "several inconsistencies" between the juror’s answers in court, which suggested that the juror may have been trying to deceive the court to get on the jury. The juror’s inconsistent statements included claiming to live in an apartment in the Bronx during the week for work and jury duty, while also stating that he lived with his fiancée and daughter in the Bronx. Additionally, the juror mentioned living with an aunt at one point, but later denied it.
Opposition from Combs’ Lawyers
Combs’ lawyers opposed the decision to remove the juror, arguing that it would be unfair to dismiss a black man from the jury. They claimed that Combs would be "essentially prejudiced" by the dismissal. The juror was replaced by an alternative juror, a 57-year-old white father from Westchester.
The Trial Continues
The 55-year-old Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, blackmail, and transporting people for prostitution. The possible dismissal of the juror was discussed by lawyers last week, with senior prosecutor Maureen Comey requesting that the juror be released due to a "lack of candor." The trial is currently in its sixth week, and the prosecution plans to conclude its case this week.
Concerns About the Juror’s Credibility
Judge Subramanian stated that the inconsistencies in the juror’s answers could indicate a desire to "shadow" the truth and raised serious questions about the juror’s openness and ability to follow instructions. The judge found that there were six alternative jurors to preserve the "integrity" of the court. One of Combs’ lawyers, Xavier Donaldson, rejected the judge’s inclination and said that it was common for people to travel between the city and New Jersey.
Defense Team’s Objection
The defense team objected to the removal of the juror, citing concerns about the diversity of the jury. Donaldson noted that the jury was the most diverse he had seen in his three decades of career and that removing the juror would be a "step backwards." The Combs legal team had applied for a mistrial if the juror was released. However, the judge ultimately decided to remove the juror, stating that there was nothing the juror could say to repair his credibility.
