Additional Coverage:
- Judge threatens to kick Diddy out of courtroom after seeing him ‘nodding vigorously’ at the jury (businessinsider.com)
Diddy Gets a Warning From Judge in Sex-Trafficking Trial
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs received a stern warning from the judge presiding over his sex-trafficking trial in Manhattan on Thursday. Judge Arun Subramanian cautioned Combs about his “vigorous nodding” toward the jury during witness testimony.
The judge stated that he witnessed the behavior himself while one of Combs’ lawyers cross-examined a witness about her interactions with the rapper. Judge Subramanian made it clear that any further attempts to communicate with the jury could result in Combs being barred from the courtroom.
He emphasized the seriousness of the warning, stating, “I really meant it. There should be no efforts whatsoever to have any interactions with the jury.”
The prosecution alleges that Combs forced women into “freak offs,” described as days-long, drug-fueled sexual performances. Combs has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team maintaining that all his relationships were consensual. The high-profile trial is expected to conclude within the next month.
The warning came during the cross-examination of Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, a friend of the prosecution’s key witness, R&B artist Cassie Ventura. Bongolan had previously testified about alleged physical altercations involving Combs, Ventura, and herself. She described incidents where Combs allegedly threw a knife at Ventura, threatened Bongolan, and even dangled Bongolan over a 17th-story balcony.
Combs’ defense attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, questioned Bongolan about perceived inconsistencies between her current testimony, previous statements to prosecutors, and allegations in a civil lawsuit against Combs. The defense has consistently argued that the accusations against Combs are financially motivated.
Bongolan’s lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages. When Westmoreland suggested that Bongolan was motivated by the prospect of becoming a “ten-millionaire,” Bongolan replied that she “cares about justice.”
It was during this exchange that the judge noticed Combs’ actions and issued his warning.