Sean "Diddy" Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial was abruptly paused Wednesday after a juror fell ill.
Judge Arun Subramanian told the courtroom the juror had developed vertigo on the way to the Manhattan courthouse. The court was informed by the juror’s partner.
Because the juror was a regular member of the panel, the judge said there was no way to proceed with trial today. The prosecution asked whether this illness appeared to be temporary or more serious.
Judge Subramanian said it seemed sudden, but he would ask the deputy for confirmation. The government said there was no reason to excuse the juror just yet. Combs’ defense team requested a sealed sidebar.
The judge then mentioned he’s also investigating a separate juror issue. Earlier this week, the government filed a letter stating it didn’t oppose more fact-finding involving another juror who may have spoken with a former colleague about the trial.
The defense argued that if Juror No. 6 had been removed, this second juror should also be excused. The prosecution disagreed, saying the two situations shouldn’t be linked but welcomed further inquiry.
Judge Subramanian also issued a stern warning Tuesday after media reports surfaced about Friday’s sealed proceeding. He reminded everyone that the defense had asked for the gag order in the first place.
“This is your only warning,” he told both sides. “The buck stops with you.” The trial, now in its fifth week, has been dogged by juror issues. Juror No. 6 was officially dismissed Monday and replaced by the first alternate after credibility concerns were raised.