Diddy’s trial update: Paralegal expert Ananya Sankar becomes summary witness for latest session

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs saw a new update today. As per the reports by CNN, Judge Arun Subramanian returned to the bench. The jury heard testimony from Ananya Sankar. She is a paralegal specialist with the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan. Sankar took the stand as a summary witness. She explained charts that showed texts, calls, images, and flight logs. These charts are evidence already in court records.

As per The Washington Post, the session also included the dismissal of a juror as juror No. 6 was removed due to questions about his honesty about where he lived. A new alternate juror replaced him. The judge also flagged another juror for a separate, unrelated issue.

Summary witness Ananya Sankar presents key exhibits in Diddy's trial

Ananya Sankar explained the role of a summary witness. She said she reviewed “hundreds and hundreds” of pages. This included text messages, flight details, phone records, audio clips, and photos. She read messages aloud, and these messages were from Diddy and his team, covering years of communication.

As per Hot Hip Hop News, one message from December 29, 2019, came from Diddy's assistant, Ryan Lopez, to the chief of staff, Kristina Khorram. It said:

“Lol think I saw one of the cowboys today. You can spot them in a lobby like a escort. I forgot to tell you about it.”

Khorram replied with emojis and asked how long he would stay awake. Lopez answered,

“Lol I’m guessing until tomorrow night.”

The prosecution argues the phrase “cowboys” refers to escorts. The chart shows messages about “wild king nights” or “freak‑offs” – alleged encounters with escorts in hotels.

Sankar also read texts from February 2022. Messages discussed high damage fees at a hotel, 15 bath towels, and bringing $5,000–$10,000 in cash. The messages allegedly show Jane, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, asking for the money. Khorram texted Diddy, pointing this out and noting the cash was in his safe. Another set of texts from March 2016 showed the team planning a “wild king night.” Assistants talked about baby oil and hotel preparations. Prosecutors say this was part of planning marathon s*xual sessions.

As per the Independent News, in April 2023, Diddy allegedly texted Khorram asking for “Molly, 15 pills.” He was referring to MDMA. At the same time, his security guard, Faheem Muhammad, sent $5,000 to an assistant for a hotel stay. Sankar also introduced charts with messages from Diddy’s team about a drug dealer nicknamed “Guido.” One message involved Diddy asking Khorram to talk to Guido directly. She clarified that the charts are meant to make complex documents easier for the jury. The charts only include data not already shown in testimony.

Jury updates: juror change and next steps

As per the reports by The Washington Post, before Sankar took the stand, the court dismissed Juror No. 6. The 41‑year‑old man had given conflicting answers about where he lived. Judge Subramanian said there were “serious concerns as to the juror’s candor”. He ruled the juror may have been “shading the truth to stay on the jury”. This juror was a Black man, employed at a correctional facility, married, and a fan of ’90s hip‑hop.

A 57‑year‑old White man from Westchester County became the new juror. He is a manufacturing architect with a mechanical engineering master’s degree. The judge also noted that another juror may have an unrelated issue and said he will ask questions later.

The reports by The Washington Post disclosed that the court took a short break. The trial then resumed with Sankar testifying. Later today, summary witness Special Agent DeLeassa Penland is expected to testify. She will present a chart with 71 entries back‑linking Diddy, his team, and alleged escorts, tracking flight records and hotel stays.

What does this mean for the trial

The government has mostly used summary witnesses in the final week. These witnesses organize a lot of data for the jury. Ananya Sankar and Penland have simplified large amounts of evidence, like texts, calls, photos, and travel logs.

As per the Independent News, their testimony could wrap up by mid‑week. Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey noted they may rest the prosecution’s case by Wednesday. Once the prosecution rests, the defense may call up to three witnesses. The first is expected to be Brendan Paul. He is a former assistant to Diddy. He may also testify about drug‑related events, including a possible “drug mule” encounter.

Now the prosecution is close to finishing its main case. The defense will soon have a turn. The timeline suggests a big shift is coming this week. The trial continues to unfold with clarity and drama added each day. We will follow it closely as it moves ahead.

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