Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify
Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify
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Judge adjourns jury in Diddy trial due to one juror's sickness
Judge Arun Subramanian excused the jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial after a juror reported vertigo-like symptoms on the way into court.
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Court is back in session in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial after an unexpected two-day break.
Following an abrupt adjournment on June 18 due to a juror's health issues and the immediately following Juneteenth holiday on June 19, the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan federal court on June 20 for the tail end of the prosecution's witnesses.
Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul is slated to testify against his ex-boss. The 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player and alleged "drug mule" previously faced felony charges for drug possession when he was arrested on the same day as the raids of Combs' homes, but the case was later closed.
Paul's testimony will come after prosecutors on June 17 revealed personal messages between Combs, his girlfriends and his associates and also showed jurors around 20 minutes of what appeared to be video footage created between 2012 and 2014 of Combs' "freak offs."
U.S. attorneys were expected to rest their case on June 20; the day's proceedings will reveal whether that schedule changes.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty.
Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges.
Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry.
He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him.
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Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity.
Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes days-long sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video.
The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings.
USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
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