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Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys had called the government’s attempt at removing the juror a “thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror”
The trial is in its sixth week
A juror in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan was dismissed Monday, June 16, over conflicting answers about where he lives.
Last week, lead prosecutor Maurene Comey had asked that a juror be dismissed for what she described as “a lack of candor.”
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said on Friday, June 13, there was a serious question about the juror’s candor and his ability to follow instructions. Earlier in the day, Subramanian said he was unsure an inquiry was needed.
But on further review, Subramanian concluded the juror, who is 41, had given inconsistent answers regarding his residency, alluding to living in both the Bronx and New Jersey. Subramanian said he had “concerns about his candor and whether he shaded answers to get on and stay on the panel.”
The trial is taking place in Manhattan and jurors must be residents of the Southern District of New York, which includes Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of the Hudson Valley.
Subramanian determined that the juror would be dismissed and replaced with an alternate. That alternate is a 57-year-old White accountant from Westchester County.
The defense had vehemently opposed the juror’s dismissal. On Wednesday, June 11, Alexandra Shapiro, one of Combs’ attorneys, called the government’s attempt at removing the juror a “thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror.” On Friday, lawyer Xavier Donaldson argued dismissal would make the jury less diverse.
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Eight men and four women were selected for the jury, and six alternates. Among the six alternates, two are women and four are men. The jurors range in age from their 30s to 70s. Their identities are known to the judge and lawyers but will not be made public.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
