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- Diddy juror who loves ’90s hip-hop and reggaeton is replaced by a dad from Westchester (businessinsider.com)
Diddy Trial Update: Juror Dismissed Over Residency Concerns
The ongoing sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has seen a shake-up in its jury. A juror was dismissed Monday due to conflicting statements about his place of residence.
Originally, Juror No. 6, a 41-year-old Black man and self-proclaimed fan of 90s hip-hop and reggaeton, stated he lived in the Bronx. However, he later mentioned to a court employee that he had moved to New Jersey.
This discrepancy prompted Judge Arun Subramanian to question the juror in private. Despite repeated attempts to clarify the situation, the juror’s answers remained inconsistent, raising concerns about his candor.
The judge ultimately dismissed the juror, overruling objections from Combs’ defense team, who argued that replacing a Black juror with a white alternate was racially motivated. Judge Subramanian countered that retaining a juror despite credibility issues would be the truly biased action. He emphasized the importance of a truthful and reliable jury, regardless of demographics.
The new Juror No. 6 is a 57-year-old white architect from Westchester, with a musical taste leaning towards ’70s funk, classical jazz, and, thanks to his son, country music. This change shifts the jury’s racial composition to four Black jurors, down from five.
The dismissed juror had previously disclosed a past misdemeanor charge related to insurance fraud and employment at a Manhattan jail. The trial, now in its sixth week, is expected to see the prosecution rest its case soon, followed by the defense’s presentation.
Combs faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, and maintains his innocence. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
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- Diddy juror who loves ’90s hip-hop and reggaeton is replaced by a dad from Westchester (businessinsider.com)