Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has been put on pause.
During the ongoing federal trial in New York City for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering by a music industry heavyweight, Judge Arun Subramanian postponed the June 18 hearings because one of the jurors was unwell.
In simpler terms, “Judge Subramanian informed the court that one of the jurors was unwell and had experienced dizziness, causing them to return home. The juror’s partner alerted us about this situation. Consequently, the affected juror is absent, and they are part of the regular jury, which seems to mean we cannot proceed with the trial today.
As an ardent enthusiast, I can’t help but share my concerns about Vertigo – it’s more than just feeling lightheaded, it’s a persistent spell of dizziness that could signal underlying health problems. This condition doesn’t just make you feel queasy or cause vomiting and nausea, but it can also lead to hearing loss and mobility issues, as Cleveland Clinic points out. Recently, during a court hearing, Judge Subramanian shared an update about a juror, which prompted him to adjourn the court immediately. He reassured us that we’ll reconvene at 9 a.m. on June 20.
The court’s postponement occurred shortly following the dismissal of a juror from the panel of twelve, due to uncertainties about where he actually resided – either within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of New York or with his partner in New Jersey.
The man was subsequently replaced with a 57-year-old accountant from Westchester.
As an ardent fan, I can’t help but share the recent turn of events in the trial of my beloved artist. The honorable Judge Subramanian took action on June 16th, dismissing one of the jurors due to concerns about his honesty that had been flagged a few days prior. Yet, the defense team for the esteemed rapper, Combs, argued passionately that removing this juror—a 41-year-old African American male—could potentially infringe upon the fairness of the trial for our beloved artist.
In their June 15th appeal letter to the judge, the defense stated that Mr. Combs could be unfairly dismissed as a juror. Since there’s no reason to remove him according to the Fazio case, the court doesn’t have the flexibility or power to carry out the dismissal.
In another part of their letter, Combs’ legal team asked for a mistrial should the juror need to step down. Unfortunately, this request was turned down.
Last month, Combs’ trial commenced, with him charged across five separate criminal offenses. These charges include one count of racketeering, as well as two counts each for sex trafficking (under the categories of force, fraud or coercion) and transportation to engage in prostitution. Despite these accusations, the 55-year-old has entered a plea of not guilty.
Keep reading for everything that has unfolded in his case so far…
On June 18, Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the courtroom for the day as one juror was absent due to sickness. (The court will remain closed on June 19 for the observance of Juneteenth.)
The judge explained that one of our jurors is unwell and suffered from dizziness, causing him to return home. We were informed by his partner. Since he is part of the regular jury, it seems like we can’t proceed with the trial today.
The judge mentioned that it’s uncertain if the juror’s spell of vertigo, characterized by feelings of dizziness, nausea, headaches, and additional symptoms, is short-lived or a persistent problem. However, they plan to keep an eye on the matter.
Since the court isn’t sitting on June 19th for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian announced that the trial will pick up again on June 20th, with a reduced schedule, lasting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
After Judge Subramanian dismissed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistencies regarding their home address, another juror might be facing dismissal following allegations of an unauthorized discussion about the case with a previous coworker. The individual under scrutiny was questioned by the judge and requested to surrender their phone for examination, according to NBC News.
By the close of the court session on June 16, no determination about the member’s termination had yet been reached.
On June 13th, Kanye West made an appearance at a New York City courthouse to lend his support to Sean “Diddy” Combs. Known for his hit song “Stronger,” the rapper spent around half an hour in the building but only stopped by the overflow section and didn’t step foot inside the courtroom itself. The main room is exclusively reserved for Diddy’s family, legal team, press, and spectators who patiently wait in line for a chance to secure a seat.
Jane, formerly known as Combs’ ex, now referred to as Victim-2 in the indictment, recollected a dispute that ensued when she traveled to Las Vegas with another rapper and his spouse.
She stated that this situation resulted in observing intimate acts between individuals (specifically Anton, a sex worker they frequently engaged, and another person) after she requested his services, which occurred during their trip in a hotel room. A group of people were present to witness these private activities.
Jane communicated to Sean Combs’ lawyer, Teny Geragos, that the music tycoon felt agitated following his allegation that she was present at another man’s “lewd event.
21st day into Combs’ trial, Maurene Comey, an assistant U.S. attorney, mentioned that her team intends to dismiss one of the 12 jurors.
She shared with Judge Subramanian, prior to the jury’s entrance into the New York City courtroom, “We felt quite hesitant to include this in our letter. The potential for dishonesty towards the court seems concerning to us and poses significant questions.
defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro, who mentioned that Juror No. 6 belongs to the black members of the panel, requested a day or two to “compose a written response” and “review relevant legal precedents.
In response, Judge Subramanian indicated that he would “set aside making arrangements” concerning the juror until a decision has been reached.
Jane and Garagos had an uncomfortable discussion on June 10, during which the former implied that the witness was exchanging sexual favors for high-end items.
Lawyer Geragos examined text conversations from November 2021 between Jane and Combs, where it appeared the witness expressed displeasure over Combs engaging in intimate relationships with other women. According to these messages, she inquired about whether Combs had given another woman a Chanel handbag following their encounter.
Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”
When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”
And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”
Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.
Jane stated that by the year 2022, she felt it was accurate to describe Combs as an individual who derived satisfaction from observing his partner engaged in intimate physical acts with someone else, following her investigation into their romantic situation.
She explained that the study helped clarify things for her, and she was simply eager to delve deeper into the motivations behind their enjoyment of seeing their partner with other men.
It was suggested that perhaps Diddy’s preference for “hotel nights” resembling his former partner Cassie Ventura’s “freak offs,” could indicate a curiosity about his own sexual orientation.
She stated, “Those individuals may harbor an intrigue they feel embarrassed about, and instead of exploring it personally, they might employ a woman as a means to satisfy their curiosity indirectly, without physically performing the act themselves.
In my professional opinion, I’ve affectionately referred to a certain individual, whom I and Mr. Combs frequently engaged with in a professional capacity, as “Trifecta”. This moniker stemmed from my observation that our relationship mirrored the exceptional performance of top-tier basketball stars on the court.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
She characterized Paul as “very kind,” pointing out that if she were to engage in intimate relations with escorts, it would be reassuring to know that the encounter involved someone radiating positive energy.
According to Jane’s testimony, there were disagreements between Combs and his assistant Kristina Khorram that became a source of tension in her relationship with the hip-hop entrepreneur.
Jane mentioned that Khorram was often by his side. She found it challenging in their relationship, and she suspects that Khorram’s deep emotions towards her significantly impacted the way Sean behaved towards her.
On June 10, Judge Subramanian rejected a request for a mistrial from Diddy’s legal team. In this motion, his lawyers claimed that both Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan falsely stated that Diddy had dangled Bongolan over the 17th-floor balcony.
In their latest court document, his legal team alleged that the prosecution had acted improperly by presenting false testimonies, which they referred to as “misconduct.
The letter states that during this trial, the government has provided evidence that was either untrue or they ought to have known it was false, regarding their claim that Mr. Combs hung Bryana Bongolan over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. To prevent an unfair verdict in this case, the court should declare a mistrial.
Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.
Jane stated that she had an argument with Combs over his association with a woman who was significantly younger than him, a situation that Jane claimed resulted in her labeling him as a “predator” and forcing his head against a marble kitchen counter.
According to the witness, she concealed herself in the main bedroom as Combs attempted to force open the door. (Images of the damaged door were submitted as proof.) She claimed that during her attempt to flee, the founder of Bad Boy Records kicked her on the back of the thigh, causing her to stumble.
She explained to the prosecutor that he had pinned her down and applied a headlock, lifting her off the ground, leaving her struggling to breathe while she balanced precariously on her tiptoes. Essentially, she was merely trying to escape from his grasp.
Jane stated that she darted from the residence and concealed herself near a wall outside for roughly two hours, praying he would depart, yet he didn’t. Later on, they went back to his house, where she huddled in the yard to shield herself as it’s claimed Combs assaulted her.
As Jane stated, the argument intensified when Combs is said to have struck her repeatedly in the head. She testified that he kicked her as well, verbally abused her, and continued to strike her.
She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.”
She stated in her testimony that she replied, ‘No, I’m not. Please go away. Go away. Stop it,’ but instead, he seized her by the arm and hair, pulling her forcefully back towards the house, using both her hair and arm as leverage.
Following the reported attack, Jane mentioned that she noticed two swellings approximately the size of golf balls on her forehead, along with a discolored eye.
After the suspected attack, Jane pointed out that she had “two bumps resembling golf balls” on her forehead, in addition to a blackened eye.
Or:
Post-alleged assault, Jane spoke of finding “golfball-sized lumps” on her forehead and a swollen, darkened eye.
Jane reported that Homeland Security conducted a raid on her home, which was one of several properties owned by Combs and investigated in March 2023. After the agents arrived at her residence, she contacted Combs’ top security officer to inform him about the incident.
In December 2023, I was accused of making a threat to expose some intimate videos and share them with my child’s father, allegedly claimed by someone referring to a certain mogul.
In a decline of their relationship, Jane claimed that Comb’s actions suggested he felt he had “nothing more to lose” by sharing the videos. She later stated that it was a constant barrage of demanding phone calls from him.
Jane sent a message to Khorram regarding the incident, which was later admitted as part of the court record. In her messages, Jane stated that Combs had threatened to share the video where she claimed to be under the influence of strong drugs.
She additionally mentioned that she required some distance from Combs, as she was attempting to heal from all the distress he inflicted on her.
Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.
During her testimony, Jane stated that some aspects of the November 2023 lawsuit filed by Ventura, which eventually reached a settlement, were similar to her personal encounter with Combs.
She confided to the jurors that she came very close to losing consciousness; in fact, she believes she did faint. She pointed out three particular passages that vividly described her ordeal.”
“She disclosed to the court that she nearly passed out, and it seems she actually did. She highlighted three distinct sections that powerfully depicted what she was going through.
Jane, involved in the “hotel nights,” expressed that it seemed as if she was living through a personal narrative herself. This experience prompted her to engage with Combs through text messages, leading to a confrontation.
She expressed that the reading felt distressingly familiar to her own experiences with sexual trauma, as suggested by Ventura’s lawsuit. She stated she was unwell, and it mirrored accounts of drug-fueled days and nights. She implied that this situation had been predicted, and they had manipulated and driven her to a state of mental instability.
The texts went on, expressing deep distress: “I was compelled to do one thing after another.” They also stated, “Your actions led me to question my sanity regarding the sexual abuse I was experiencing.” Clearly, they felt violated. It was an instance of sexual misuse.
Later on, Combs covertly referred to Jane as ‘Jane’ during a recording, unbeknownst to her, and this conversation was later presented as evidence. In the discussion, he mentioned they had performed certain actions together and emphasized that it was a time when he felt she “should be there.
Jane, unaware that she was being filmed, informed Combs that she felt extremely uncomfortable or queasy upon reviewing Ventura’s papers.
As a die-hard admirer, let me share this intriguing perspective: Jane confided that during her Hotel Nights escapades with Combs and his male companions, ecstasy was often part of the experience. Yet, on one remarkable occasion, she opted to forgo drugs altogether while engaging in a thrilling sexual encounter with three men.
She stated that she spent the evening with several gentlemen. Later on, she felt unwell and vomited. At this point, Sean arrived and reassured her, saying “Don’t worry, you’ll feel better now. Let’s step outside.
Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”
On the 18th day of the trial, Combs’ legal team submitted a request for a mistrial on June 7. They contended that Ventura and Bongolan falsely claimed that Bongolan was dangled over the 17th-floor balcony by the rap mogul.
lawyers representing Combs, whose request for a retrial had been rejected by Judge Subramanian, alleged that the prosecution engaged in “unprofessional behavior” by presenting sworn statements deemed false.
The letter states that during this trial, the government has provided testimony that was either untrue or they were negligent in verifying its accuracy regarding their claim that Mr. Combs had hung Bryana Bongolan over Cassie Ventura’s apartment balcony in September 2016. Therefore, to prevent an unjust verdict in this case, the court should declare a mistrial.
In a turn of events, the defense alleges that Bongolan fabricated details regarding the event, citing what they believe are contradictions within her narrative. The prosecution plans to counter these claims on the 9th of June, following which the judge will deliver his verdict the day after.
In April 2023, which was the start of their second year together, Jane stated that Sean Combs started covering her home’s rent. This arrangement has persisted up until now. She disclosed that she and the music entrepreneur had agreed a month prior to this that he would offer her a monthly stipend.
On that ‘night at the hotel,’ she recounted, it was during this time that Sean presented a sort of ‘agreement of love’ between us, she informed the jury. In other words, he asked me to specify what financial support I desired from him.
month, just moving forward, that’s what he was going to do for me.”
She mentioned that she stated a figure of 15,000 for the allowance, but he replied with 10,000 instead. After searching for new accommodations, she eventually moved into a bigger and more spacious home within her budget. This new dwelling served as a place where she and her child could unwind and find some equilibrium in their relationship. It was, in essence, her partner reciprocating the love she had been giving him.
According to Jane’s statement, as stipulated in the contract, she was entitled to receive funds “without any haste or coercion, for a period of two years.
Jane openly discussed experiencing frequent urinary tract and yeast infections nearly every week due to lengthy sexual encounters. To manage this, she regularly took antibiotics. She confessed that she sometimes engaged in sex before fully recuperating from her UTIs, and during “100%” of hotel stays, she experienced discomfort in her pelvic region.
The witness additionally revealed that she experienced discomfort in her shoulders and spine during the act. Furthermore, she mentioned, “I found myself at the very edge of the chair or the bed, assuming the positions he preferred for foreplay with these gentlemen.
Even though she felt the pain, Jane chose not to share it with Combs as she preferred to avoid expressing any negativity.
However, she claimed that the discomfort she experienced wasn’t limited to their shared bedroom. She testified before the jury that she had agreed to get her nipples pierced at Combs’ behest because he said it would intensify his attraction and was something he desired from his partner.
She said she removed the piercings because they “snagged and bled and got infected.”
However, she testified that Combs was unhappy with her decision.
She claimed that at the beginning, he seemed fine with the situation. However, as time passed and I continued to take my time returning them, I noticed he was growing increasingly restless.
She mentioned, “He used to comment, ‘Where are your piercings? This will be the last time I see you without any piercings.’
It is said that Jane claimed she was forced to spend numerous hours celebrating her birthday at a hotel in 2023, an event she did not want to be part of.
Although he was reportedly told multiple times by her that she wasn’t interested, and the incident bore striking resemblance to Ventura’s “freak off” encounters—she claimed that he unexpectedly arranged for an entertainer to be present during their dinner instead.
The witness, who dated Combs from 2021 to 2024, stated that she had dressed up for him. At a sushi dinner, she felt joy being with her boyfriend, who was incredibly affectionate. Then, he expressed his enthusiasm about seeing the entertainer later, saying, “I’m thrilled to catch the performer tonight.
She went on to say, “I never thought this would happen,” followed by her exclamation, “An entertainer? I was speechless!” He replied, “It’s your birthday! Let’s celebrate!” In the end, she simply agreed.
Jane, while tearfully testifying, expressed that the escort seemed “more like a stranger to me than anybody else.
On my birthday, I wasn’t in the mood to do what she had planned, she declared. Instead, I remained on the couch, preparing myself for intimacy, just wanting to complete it quickly. I requested a condom from Sean. However, Sean gave me an unfriendly glance. He seemed disapproving, shaking his head and said, “You shouldn’t be asking for a condom.
After the reported incident where the rap entrepreneur supposedly gave the escort birth control, “Jane” described him as being very unconcerned or uncaring.
As I recounted my testimony, I couldn’t help but relive the moment he walked away. The disheartened look on his face as events unfolded left an aching sensation in my heart. I couldn’t help but wish for an end to it all.
Jane claimed that the longest stretch of a “hotel stay” occurred over New Year’s in 2022, lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 days.
She confessed that she would rely on “ecstasy, caffeine, water, and protein shakes” to maintain her wakefulness throughout the extended all-night sexual encounter.
Jane stated that even after repeatedly requesting it from Combs, the male escorts were supposedly not provided with condoms during their hotel stays, according to his alleged refusal.
She informed the jury that he reacted as if he were angered and manipulated me. He didn’t desire to discuss it… He wished to change the topic. ‘It wasn’t an option, so stop bringing it up.’ He stated that he didn’t want to be reminded of a rubber while he was observing.
Jane shared insight into her decision to participate in orchestrated sex acts with the rap mogul.
She stated that it was rumored, by the founder of Bad Boy Records, he might have been proposing the inclusion of escorts and voyeuristic activities within a private setting.
I agreed,” I confided in the courtroom, “as it appeared he desired it, and it ignited his passion. To be honest, I was deeply engrossed in my relationship.
She claimed that Combs contacted a male acquaintance, whom she admitted to previously engaging in sexual activities with. This event, which she described as breaking taboos but also being fun, allegedly established the dynamic for their relationship’s future development.
She stated in her testimony, ‘That night seemed to unleash a torrent of issues in our relationship, much like opening Pandora’s box.’ She continued, ‘There was just too much that followed, and it was overwhelming.’
According to her statement, approximately 90% of the times she encountered Combs, she observed him engaging in sexual activities with another man in front of her. She further explained that these sexual encounters lasted for a duration between 24 and 36 hours without rest, and she felt compelled to participate due to the fact that she knew he was covering her rental expenses.
Jane stated that, due to her financial reliance on the rap tycoon, she felt compelled to continue engaging in intimate relationships with multiple men, as this was the only means of support provided by Combs.
She admitted that her sense of duty arose primarily because her partner was covering her rental expenses. If she resisted his sexual advances, he would counter with comments such as, “If you decide to leave, that’s okay. But do you require an additional three months in the house? I’m not planning on continuing to pay for a woman’s rent whom I’m not even seeing.
She claimed that a significant portion of her earnings came from social media, but she observed that it gradually decreased since her active participation in social media significantly reduced following her decision to focus on her relationship with Combs.
She stated that her sole means of earning money shifted to child support provided by another individual, along with funds from Combs.
For the initial time, the woman known as “Victim 2” from the federal indictment against Combs testified on June 5th.
Under the alias Jane, she testified before the court that she developed an intense affection for the business magnate during a visit to Miami at the start of 2021. She openly acknowledged spending extended, consenting hours with Combs, which included the use of baby oil, during their initial courtship period.
However, as Jane stated under oath, he orchestrated a situation where she would have sexual relations with another man, which he observed for the first time. Reluctantly, she admitted that she did so because “he was taking care of my rent payments.
Those instances, labeled as “freak offs” in the indictment and by Ventura and others, were additionally referred to as “sprees of debauchery” or “hotel evenings,” according to Jane’s statement.
During these stretches, which ranged from 24 to 36 continuous hours without rest, there might be several participants involved, as she went on explaining.
Jane stated that on some occasions, the same thing would occur multiple times with different individuals. She often suppressed her true feelings or thoughts instead.
Ultimately, Jane found herself not working or traveling anymore since Comb’s needs required her presence. He covered all her costs and organized childcare for her, being a solo parent, Jane explained.
She shared with the court that she felt compelled to spend those evenings with him. In Sean’s presence, she admitted to being completely engrossed by him.
The judge, Subramanian, warned that Combs might be ejected from the courtroom if the defendant persisted in making facial expressions towards the jury.
The judge emphasized to Drew Combs’ lawyers on June 5th that there should be no facial expressions displayed during the trial, as he had made this point very explicitly. However, it seemed that his client was seen nodding enthusiastically and glancing towards the jury during a particular line of questioning.
Subramanian firmly stated, “Such engagement is not tolerated. If there’s repeated attempts at interaction with this jury, I may issue a directive to the jury, and it might lead to your client being removed from the courtroom.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo assured the judge it was “not going to happen again.”
Subramanian reiterated, “This cannot happen again.”
In the courtroom, Bongolan informed the jury that she initiated a civil suit against Combs in November 2024, seeking a compensation of $10 million. She claimed this was due to an incident in 2016 when he supposedly held her over a balcony on the 17th floor before tossing her onto nearby furniture.
“I wanted to seek justice for what happened to me,” Bongolan said, “on the balcony.”
A well-known fashion designer has submitted a legal complaint alleging that a prominent hip-hop artist committed sexual assault, caused mental anguish, and unlawfully detained him or her (depending on the gender of the parties involved), as stated in court papers reviewed by Rolling Stone.
According to the lawsuit filed by attorney James R. Nikraftar, the reason for someone being suspended off a balcony is either to cause deliberate harm or instill intense fear in them. This act strips individuals of the fundamental right to control their own physical wellbeing and security.
Bryana declared that, in the year 2016, it was claimed that the influential rap magnate supposedly held her over a seventeen-story balcony and subsequently tossed her onto surrounding pieces of furniture.
According to Bongolan, during the incident at Ventura’s Comstock apartment, she claimed that he came up behind her, picked her up, and placed her on top of a rail. She weighed around 100-115 pounds and was holding on for dear life, fearing she might fall off because she was too scared.
In that moment, I briefly thought I might lose my balance,” she explained on the stand on June 4th. “He was shouting at me, accusing me of something. I had no clue what I was supposed to have done wrong. In confusion, I retorted, ‘I don’t know what I did wrong.’ He was being very loud.
According to Bongolan, around 10-15 seconds later, Combs shoved her towards the balcony furniture. This happened just as Ventura emerged, followed by the ex-couple going indoors for a conversation. Later on, she stated that the music mogul eventually departed from the apartment.
After the reported event, Bongolan shared that she’s experienced persistent aftereffects, expressing, “I often have nightmares and feel excessively paranoid. I also used to scream a lot in my sleep, but it has somewhat lessened.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson informed Judge Subramanian that the authorities became aware that a news source disclosed the true name of Combs’ ex-assistant, who was referred to as “Mia” throughout the trial.
Johnson stated that the government is asking the Court to think about ordering the removal of a specific post and deciding if more measures are necessary, such as preventing people who disregard the Court’s order from participating in this trial, not just here but in any other courtroom as well.
The judge, Subramanian, requested the prosecution to prepare a proposal. He assured them that he would undoubtedly take it into account.
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2025-06-18 17:50