Sean “Diddy” Combs received a stern warning from Judge Arun Subramanian on Thursday after the music mogul was observed making facial expressions and nodding toward the jury during his ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial.
“I was very clear there should be no facial expressions to the jury, and I could not have been clearer,” Judge Subramanian said to Combs’ legal team during a break in proceedings. He pointed out that Combs had been “nodding vigorously and looking at the jury,” behavior the judge deemed “absolutely unacceptable.”
“There should be no efforts to have any interactions with this jury,” the judge stressed, warning that continued violations could lead to serious consequences, including a formal instruction to the jury or Combs’ removal from the courtroom entirely.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo responded, “No, your honor, it’s not going to happen again,” assuring the court that Combs would refrain from any further gestures.
Although Combs has generally maintained a stoic demeanor during the trial, observers have noted instances in which he has looked at jurors and nodded—particularly during testimony from key witnesses such as his former assistant George Kaplan. He has also made subtle gestures of acknowledgment to supporters seated in the gallery.
Thursday’s proceedings included emotional testimony from two women: Bryana Bongolan, who alleged that Combs once held her over the edge of a 17th-floor balcony, and another witness using the pseudonym “Jane,” a former romantic partner of Combs. Their testimonies are part of a broader case in which Combs faces multiple charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
If convicted, Combs could face a life sentence.
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