A juror in the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial is expected to be dismissed from the case on Monday over inconsistencies about where he lives.
The issue came up this week, five weeks into the trial, during a conversation Juror No. 6 had with the jury department, indicating he had moved to New Jersey a few weeks ago to live with his girlfriend.
That conversation sparked another discussion among legal counsels, who pressed for more information. Jurors in the case must live in New York state and district courts have broad discretion to replace a juror for any violation.
The juror, a 41-year-old Black male who works in communications at a correctional facility, told court officials he was living in a New York apartment during the work week.
His story later changed to him living with his daughter and fiancée in the Bronx. At some point, he told court officials he lived with his aunt in the Bronx.
Earlier Friday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said he was leaning against dismissing the juror, saying there was likely an innocent explanation for the conflicting answers.
But as more details emerged, Subramanian said there were serious concerns about his candor and it appeared the juror either could not follow simple instructions or there was an effort to be deceptive.
Subramanian warned that removal of the juror may be required.
Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson said the juror answered the question about where he resides as truthfully as possible and suggested bringing him back to court because he wanted to remain on the jury.
Prosecutors argued that the juror's removal is necessary to protect the integrity of the court proceedings.
The juror said during jury selection that he enjoyed listening to reggaeton and ‘90s hip-hop, and his hobbies included sports and fantasy football.
Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him.
