U.S. Judge Denies Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Mistrial Request In Federal S£x Trafficking Trial
The defence’s mistrial motion stemmed from prosecutors’ questioning of a Los Angeles arson investigator regarding a 2012 incident in which rapper Kid Cudi’s car was set ablaze
US District Judge Arun Subramanian on Wednesday rejected a mistrial request by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in his ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial, following claims from his legal team that prosecutors improperly implied his involvement in destroying evidence related to an arson investigation.
Combs, 55, who has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, remains on trial in U.S. District Court amid mounting testimonies and allegations that connect him to a series of criminal activities spanning over a decade.
The defence’s mistrial motion stemmed from prosecutors’ questioning of a Los Angeles arson investigator regarding a 2012 incident in which rapper Kid Cudi’s car was set ablaze, according to Reuters.
Last week, Kid Cudi — whose real name is Scott Mescudi — testified that his car was firebombed shortly after Combs found out about Mescudi’s romantic involvement with Casandra Ventura, Combs’ then on-and-off girlfriend.
Alexandra Shapiro, an attorney for Combs, argued on Wednesday that the government was trying to suggest Combs had tampered with evidence, particularly fingerprints tied to the arson.
Shapiro, speaking outside the jury’s presence, argued that the government was unfairly suggesting Mr. Combs played a role in the destruction of critical forensic evidence, calling the implication highly prejudicial.
However, Judge Subramanian swiftly denied the request, ruling that there was no prejudicial statement made by the witness during the arson-related testimony.
“There was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way, shape or form,” Judge Subramanian stated firmly.
The trial continues as prosecutors seek to establish a broader pattern of alleged criminal conduct by the music mogul. The case is one of several legal challenges Combs is currently facing, as the government investigates a range of accusations involving sex trafficking, abuse, and witness intimidation.
