Jazz-loving accountant from Westchester replaces the dismissed Juror No. 6 in Diddy trial

A 57-year-old male accountant from Westchester County has been selected to join the federal jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing trial, following the dismissal of a juror amid questions about eligibility and conduct.

The new juror, chosen from the alternate pool, shared during selection that he is a fan of ‘70s funk and classical jazz, and recently started listening to country music, thanks to his son. He now joins the panel overseeing a high-profile case involving charges against Combs, which include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

The appointment comes after Juror No. 6, a 41-year-old Black male, was officially released from the panel on June 16 after conflicting information was provided regarding his address.

District Judge Arun Subramanian cited inconsistencies regarding the juror’s residence — one in New York City, within the Southern District of New York’s jurisdiction, and another in New Jersey, where he reportedly lives with his girlfriend.

The judge also referenced additional concerns, including claims that the juror may have spoken with a co-worker about the ongoing case. His phone had previously been confiscated by the court on June 13.

Combs’ defense team pushed back strongly against the dismissal. In a June 15 letter to the court, they argued:

“Mr. Combs will be substantially prejudiced in the dismissal of this juror. And because there is no factual basis to remove him, under Fazio, the court lacks discretion to do so.”

Before the ruling was finalized, the defense warned that removing the juror could lead to broader issues of fairness and requested a mistrial if the decision went forward. Their letter stated:

“We understand the court has refused to find any discriminatory motive in the government's actions with respect to its peremptory strikes or this motion. However we respectfully, and regrettably, disagree.”

They added:

“Unfortunately, when considered against that background it is impossible to believe that this motion is merely a good-faith attempt to raise a valid question about the juror's integrity rather than an effort to take advantage of an opportunity to strike yet another Black male from the jury.”

Diddy Combs is facing multiple charges, including racketeering in conspiracy, transportation to engage in prostitution, and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. He was arrested in September. The trial remains ongoing.

Kanye West visits the Manhattan Courthouse during Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial

Meanwhile, Ye (formerly Kanye West) made a brief visit to Manhattan federal court on Friday during the ongoing sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. The artist, dressed in white, arrived shortly before noon while proceedings were on a break.

When asked by reporters whether he came to support Diddy Combs, Ye gave a nod and succinctly replied with: "Yes."

Ye did not answer further questions, including whether he might testify once the defense begins presenting its case, possibly as early as next week.

Though he was not permitted inside the courtroom itself, Ye was seen spending about 40 minutes in the courthouse and watching a portion of the trial via video monitor in a separate room.

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