Diddy Threatens Mistrial Request Over Potential Removal of Black Juror

Sean “Diddy” Combs has raised fresh concerns over the composition of the jury in his ongoing federal sex trafficking case, warning he will seek a mistrial if a Black juror is dismissed from the panel.

According to a letter filed by Diddy’s legal team to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, the prosecution has expressed discomfort with a particular juror’s responses during the selection process. However, Diddy’s lawyers argue the concerns are unrelated to bias or familiarity with the case and instead center on technicalities such as the juror’s residency.

The defense believes the attempt to remove the juror is racially motivated, describing it as an effort to “strike yet another Black male from the jury.” They argue that such actions undermine fair representation and could discourage future jury participation by people of color.

Judge Subramanian has reportedly shown some willingness to consider dismissing the juror, but Diddy’s attorneys maintain that there is no valid reason to do so and have warned that they will pursue a mistrial motion if the dismissal proceeds.

Currently, five of the 12 seated jurors are Black, with eight identified as people of color.

Meanwhile, Diddy’s courtroom behavior has also drawn attention. The judge issued a stern warning after noting that the music mogul was nodding and making expressive gestures toward the jury during witness testimony.

“Mr. Agnifilo, your client was looking at jurors and nodding vigorously. This can’t continue,” Subramanian told Diddy’s lead attorney. He added that further disruptions could result in consequences ranging from formal court instructions to barring Diddy from the courtroom.

Diddy, who has been visibly engaged in the trial – passing notes to his legal team and showing affection to his mother in the public gallery – continues to deny all allegations related to the case.