In the ongoing federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, concerns about juror conduct have surfaced, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of the trial’s management. Attorney David S. Seltzer spoke to Fox News Digital, expressing his belief that Judge Arun Subramanian made a critical error by not sequestering the jury from the start of the trial. This issue has become increasingly relevant as the trial enters its 24th day, with juror problems continuing to arise.
On Monday, one juror was dismissed, raising questions about another juror’s potential issues. The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledged in a letter that it does not oppose further investigation into this second juror, who may have communicated with a former colleague about jury service. However, the prosecution disagreed with Diddy’s legal team, which pushed for the juror’s dismissal.
Seltzer explained that the juror issues could have been avoided had the judge taken the precaution to sequester the jury from the beginning. He emphasized that the current situation has created a "tainted" juror, who might be discussing case details outside the courtroom, violating court instructions. He questioned why the jury was not sequestered, highlighting the difficulty jurors face in adhering to strict instructions to avoid outside influence.
The prosecution and defense are set to address these concerns in court. Before this, juror No. 6 was dismissed for inconsistencies in his statements regarding his residency, which raised credibility issues. This juror had disclosed that he had moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend but claimed to be staying in New York during the trial.
Seltzer remarked on the unrealistic expectations placed on jurors, stating that no jurors have been dismissed for violating court rules, which he found shocking. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani echoed this sentiment, explaining that jurors must follow strict rules, and any violation can lead to removal.
Despite the turmoil within the jury, Seltzer maintained that Diddy’s defense team has been performing well. He noted that the government has not met its burden of proof and that the case against Diddy is based on character rather than legal violations.
Diddy faces serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, with the potential for significant prison time if convicted. Throughout the trial, he has maintained his innocence, with witnesses testifying about various allegations against him. As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the jury’s integrity and the unfolding legal arguments.