Judge asks to dismiss juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial for 'lack of candor' issue
Judge asks to dismiss juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial for 'lack of candor' issue
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Rapper Ye makes surprise appearance at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial
Rapper and fashion designer Ye made an appearance in New York at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial.
The judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-crimes trial asked to dismiss a juror, two days after prosecutors raised issues about the man's alleged "lack of candor with the court."
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ordered for Juror No. 6 to be removed from the 12-person jury on Friday, June 13. Six alternates have been on the sidelines in the trial, which is wrapping its sixth week in Manhattan federal court.
Addressing the court, Subramanian said, "Removal of the juror is required" and added, "The juror will be dismissed." The reason was "several inconsistencies" in the man's answers regarding where he lives.
Subramanian continued, "The juror is unable to answer simple questions. … There are serious questions about the juror's candor and ability to follow instructions."
Though it "seems like a trivial matter," it "goes to a juror's basic criteria to serve," he said. Because of the "changing answers and inconsistency," Subramanian said it brings up questions about whether the juror was truthful in responding to other questions more directly related to the case.
Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson objected to the juror's dismissal.
What happened with Juror No. 6?
Before the jurors in question entered the courtroom June 11, prosecutors reportedly asked the judge to oust one of them, known as Juror No. 6. Several news outlets reported Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey told Judge Subramanian she saw "what appeared to be a lack of candor with the court" from Juror No. 6 "that raises serious issues."
Alexandra Shapiro from Combs' team reportedly pushed back against the request, calling it "a thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror."
This story is developing.
Contributing: Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY
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