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The federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs entered a tense new chapter on June 16, 2025, after a juror was dismissed for misleading the court about his residency—prompting an outcry from the defense over potential racial bias. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that “Juror 6,” a 41-year-old Black man, had provided inconsistent answers about where he lived, claiming residency in both the Bronx and New Jersey. Since federal jurors must reside within the Southern District of New York, Subramanian concluded the man could not remain on the panel.
“This juror shaded answers to get on and stay on the panel,” said Judge Subramanian. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey had earlier described his statements as showing a “lack of candor.” Defense attorneys countered sharply. “This is a thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror,” said Alexandra Shapiro, part of Combs’ legal team. Another defense lawyer, Xavier Donaldson, argued the move compromised the panel’s diversity.
The dismissed juror has been replaced by a 57-year-old white architect from Westchester County, a mechanical engineering graduate who enjoys
hiking and is a New York Mets fan. The trial, now in its sixth week, continues in Manhattan federal court without cameras, but detailed reports from inside reveal mounting pressure on Combs’ defense.
Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Prosecutors allege he used his fame to manipulate Cassie Ventura and others into drug-fueled sex events known as “freak-offs,” spanning more than a decade.
Recent courtroom evidence has intensified scrutiny. Ananya Sankar, a paralegal for the prosecution, introduced a chart containing texts from Combs' former chief of staff, Khristina Khorram. One message, dated November 24, 2022, shows Combs requesting “15 pills of molly” for a
flight to Miami. “Don’t text about it,” he later warned. Other testimony, including a recorded phone call with former partner “Jane,” reinforced Ventura’s earlier claims. “What she said was word for word what happened to me,” Jane told Combs in the tape played to jurors.
The current jury comprises eight men and four women, aged 30s to 70s, with six alternates. Their identities remain confidential. While Diddy
maintains his innocence, the prosecution continues to build a case heavy with direct testimony, digital evidence, and now, intensified scrutiny of courtroom integrity.
