A Black juror was dismissed from Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial on Monday (June 16), despite objections from the defense, who argued that the move would reduce the racial diversity of the jury deciding the hip-hop mogul’s fate. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said the juror gave inconsistent responses about his place of residence, raising concerns about his honesty and potential impact on the verdict. While acknowledging the defense’s concern — given that Combs is Black — the judge stated that he could not consider race in making such a decision. The juror was replaced by a white male alternate.

“The court should not, and cannot, allow race to influence its decision,” Subramanian said outside the presence of the jury, as the sixth week of the trial began in Manhattan federal court. He also noted that the jury remained “diverse.” The panel remains anonymous due to the high-profile nature of the case, in order to protect jurors from possible threats or harassment. Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other federal charges. Prosecutors allege he pressured individuals over two decades to participate in controversial private events. The defense maintains that all interactions were voluntary.

Combs’ lawyers argued in a Sunday court filing that the dismissed juror was one of only two Black men on the panel, and that removing him threatened the fairness of the trial. They stressed the importance of having jurors who share cultural or social experiences with Combs to ensure a balanced discussion during deliberations. Prosecutors, in a Monday filing, denied any racial motivation behind the dismissal and called the defense’s claim “baseless.”