Diddy challenged the dismissal of a Black juror in his trial, accusing prosecutors of targeting Black panelists to ensure conviction.
Diddy is pushing back in court after one of only two Black male jurors was dismissed from his federal trial, with his legal team accusing prosecutors of systematically removing Black jurors to secure a conviction.
In an emergency motion filed to Judge Subramanian on Sunday (June 16), attorneys for Diddy argued that the removal of Juror #6, who had given conflicting information about his residence, was not only unjustified but part of a broader pattern.
The juror initially stated that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancée and daughter, but later revealed that he had moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend. He claimed he still spent most of the week in New York.
The judge agreed with the prosecution’s request to remove the juror, citing a “lack of candor” and saying the shifting story suggested an attempt to remain on the panel dishonestly. An alternate juror has since taken his place.
Diddy’s defense team objected, calling the move harmful to the racial makeup of the jury and warning it could discourage minority participation in future trials.
“The fairness of the trial depends in part on having jurors with backgrounds similar to Mr. Combs shai·e their perspectives on the evidence with other jurors from diverse backgrounds during deliberations. Removing this particular juror will deprive Mr. Combs of that impartial perspective, and it is no answer to simply say that there are other black jurors, or other males, on the jury,” Diddy’s lawyer Alexandra A.E. Shapiro said.
The defense also pointed to a troubling pattern. Of the nine peremptory strikes used by the prosecution, seven were against Black jurors. The defense claims this shows a clear effort to reduce Black representation on the jury.
The jury originally consisted of five Black jurors, four white jurors, two Hispanic jurors, and one Asian juror. Most alternates are white.
“If the Comt dismisses Juror #6, the unfair prejudice from replacing him with the first alternate at this late stage of the proceedings warrants a mistrial,” Shapiro said.
Diddy is facing five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.
Prosecutors allege he used his influence and business empire to organize coercive sexual events, known as “freak-offs” and “King Nights” over two decades.
If convicted, Diddy could face life in prison. The trial resumes on Monday (June 16).
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