As the high-profile federal trial enters its sixth week, a Black juror’s removal from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking case has sparked controversy over racial diversity and fairness in the jury panel.
A Black juror was dismissed Monday from the ongoing federal sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, prompting objections from the defense over concerns that the move would reduce racial diversity on the panel deciding his fate. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who is overseeing the case in Manhattan, cited the juror’s inconsistent answers about his place of residence as the reason for dismissal, despite acknowledging the racial implications raised by the defense.
NEW YORK, June 16 (Reuters) — The federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs took a contentious turn on Monday after a Black juror was dismissed from the case, drawing sharp objections from the defense, which warned that the removal would reduce racial representation on the jury.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, presiding over the trial in Manhattan federal court, said the juror gave conflicting answers regarding his residential address, raising concerns about his credibility and honesty—grounds the judge believed could undermine the integrity of the verdict.
Although the defense argued that the juror’s removal would replace one of two Black male jurors with a white male alternate, Judge Subramanian emphasized that the court “should not, indeed cannot, allow race to enter into its consideration,” making the ruling outside the jury’s presence. He acknowledged the seriousness of racial equity in jury composition but said it could not override questions of juror reliability.
“The jury remains diverse,” Subramanian noted, adding that the identities of jurors remain anonymous—a precaution often taken in high-profile cases to shield them from public or media pressure.
Combs, 55, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Prosecutors allege that over a span of 20 years, he coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual performances—referred to as “Freak Offs”—involving male sex workers. Combs’ legal team has countered that all sexual acts were consensual and that their client is being unjustly targeted due to his race.
In a Sunday night filing, Combs’ attorneys underscored the importance of a racially balanced jury. “The fairness of the trial depends in part on having jurors with backgrounds similar to Mr. Combs share their perspectives on the evidence with other jurors from diverse backgrounds during deliberations,” the defense argued, emphasizing that the dismissed juror was one of just two Black men on the panel.
The prosecution fired back in a Monday filing, calling the defense’s claims “baseless” and rejecting any suggestion that the motion to dismiss the juror was racially motivated.
The trial, now entering its sixth week, has already drawn national attention due to the explosive allegations and the stature of Combs as a cultural icon. As the proceedings continue, the focus has now turned to how issues of racial representation may affect both perception and outcome of the landmark case.