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A federal judge has denied a mistrial request from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team in his ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial, allowing the high-profile proceedings to continue in Manhattan federal court.
The defense's motion stemmed from testimony by arson investigator Lance Jimenez regarding the 2012 firebombing of rapper Kid Cudi’s car. Jimenez noted that fingerprint evidence collected during the investigation had been destroyed by the Los Angeles Police Department months after the incident.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that the prosecution’s line of questioning implied Combs had influenced the destruction of evidence, constituting prosecutorial misconduct and potentially prejudicing the jury. However, Judge Arun Subramanian rejected the motion, ruling that the testimony was not prejudicial and instructing the jury to disregard the related questions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said “a mistrial is absolutely unwarranted here.” She said the subject of fingerprints was raised to counter defense suggestions through questions posed to other witnesses that the car firebombing was poorly investigated and that the area was not canvassed for fingerprints.
Although such mistrial requests are common during lengthy federal trials involving hundreds of pieces of evidence and dozens of witnesses, this was the first request at Combs’ trial, which is in its third week of testimony in Manhattan. Combs has been active in his defense, regularly writing notes to his lawyers, and they have consulted with him as they questioned witnesses.
The trial, which began on May 12, 2025, has featured testimony from over 15 witnesses, including Combs’ former partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Ventura testified that Combs coerced her into drug-fueled sexual encounters and threatened to release explicit videos to control her. Her former stylist, Deonte Nash, corroborated her claims, describing instances of physical abuse and manipulation by Combs.
Prosecutors allege that Combs led a two-decade criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, coercion, and violence. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with additional testimonies anticipated.
