Rapper on Trial Faces Courtroom Clash: Judge Gives Fair Warning to Diddy
Judge Warns Rapper Combs of Potential Removal from Courtroom - Judge issues warning to Combs in trial, potentially risking rapper's exclusion
In the current trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, accused of serious sexual offenses and organized crime, Judge Arun Subramanian gave a firm warning to the rapper, stating that he risks being ousted from the courtroom. The reason? Renowned U.S. media outlets have reported that Combs has persistently made attempts to communicate with the jury through eye contact.
During a testimony, Combs was seen nodding and exchanging glances with jurors, causing Subramanian to express disapproval, fearing potential jury tampering. Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, ensured the judge that such behavior would not reoccur. However, trial observers have reported continued attempts by Combs to establish contact with individual jurors after the initial incident.
The 55-year-old music mogul potentially faces a life sentence if convicted. Facing charges of sex trafficking, organized crime, and other crimes, Combs has pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence. The trial may prolong for several more weeks.
- Arun Subramanian
- Dismissal
- Sean "Diddy" Combs
- Sexual offenses
- New York
Inside the Courtroom
On June 6, 2025, Judge Subramanian rebuked Combs and his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, regarding Combs' questionable courtroom behavior. The judge was concerned about the defendant's facial expressions and intense nods directed towards jurors, particularly during the testimony of graphic designer Bryana "Bana" Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura[2][3]. Bongolan had recounted a distressing experience from 2016, claiming Combs had dangled her over a balcony, leaving her emotionally traumatized.
Judge Subramanian expressed that any interaction with the jury was not tolerable, and if the behavior persisted, he might consider a "curative instruction," which could lead to Combs being banned from the courtroom for the remainder of the trial[2][3]. Agnifilo acknowledged the judge's warning and promised compliance.
The Context of the Testimony and Defense
Bongolan's emotionally charged testimony highlighted the impact of the alleged incident. The defense attempted to undermine her account by questioning the credibility of a photograph related to the event and presenting evidence suggesting Combs may have been somewhere else at the time[2].
Recent Trial Developments
- Judge’s Warning: Judge Subramanian threatened Sean "Diddy" Combs with expulsion from the courtroom if his attempts to contact the jury through facial expressions or gestures persisted[2][3].
- Nature of Incident: The warning followed testimony from Bryana "Bongolan" about a 2016 balcony incident, which she described as traumatic[2].
- Defense Strategy: Combs' attorneys called into question the authenticity of the photograph related to the incident and presented evidence suggesting Combs may not have been at the alleged event[2].
These recent events signal a significant turning point in the ongoing trial, demonstrating the judge's determination to maintain impartiality and prevent any potential jury tampering.
In the courtroom on June 6, 2025, Judge Arun Subramanian issued a warning to Sean "Diddy" Combs and his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, for Combs' questionable courtroom behavior, specifically his facial expressions toward jurors, during the testimony of graphic designer Bryana "Bana" Bongolan. The judge, concerned about the potential for jury tampering, threatened Combs with expulsion if the behavior continued. Additionally, entertainment news outlets have reported that Combs' persistent attempts to communicate with the jury have not ceased, despite Agnifilo's assurance that it would.
