Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs complains about courtroom sketches: “You’re making me look like a koala”
Cameras have been banned from the courtroom in Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ sex trafficking trial, meaning sketches have been the best insight into visuals inside the Manhattan building. However, Combs isn’t happy with the drawings by sketch artist Jane Rosenberg.
On June 5th, the Bad Boy rapper reportedly turned to the first row and told Rosenberg, “Soften me up a bit, you’re making me look like a koala bear.”
Rosenberg has been a courtroom sketch artist for over four decades, attending trials for celebrities such as Harvey Weinstein, Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, John Gotti, Jeffrey Epstein, Steve Bannon, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Martha Stewart.
Combs isn’t the first person to complain about her sketches. Speaking to NPR in 2024, she revealed other high-profile requests.
“Harvey Weinstein asked me to give him more hair as he walked by,” she recalled. “John Gotti asked me to take away his double chin. A lot of people ask for weight – lose weight, take away the belly, certain number of pounds off, more hair, less hair. I do get requests to make me look a certain way. ‘Which side is better? Draw me on this side, that side.'”
When asked if they’re trying to be funny, she added, “I hope so ’cause I’m not going to pay attention. I’m going to continue drawing what I’m drawing.”
Combs was arrested in September on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He’s pleaded guilty to all five counts against him and faces up to life in prison if found guilty.
Judge Arun Subramanian recently warned the rapper about his actions in the courtroom. After nodding at jurors, the judge said it was “absolutely unacceptable” and threatened to remove him from the trial should he continue.