Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied request for mistrial
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ lawyer requested a mistrial on May 28th but was denied by the judge. Combs has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution, and is currently on trial in Manhattan.
Combs’ attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, moved for a mistrial over alleged destroyed evidence. Los Angeles arson investigator, Lance Jimenez, who examined Kid Cudi’s car being set on fire in 2011, revealed the destruction of fingerprint cards, with prosecutors suggesting that Combs played a role in the action.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian denied the request and told the court, “There was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way, shape or form.”
Jimenez claimed that fingerprint cards were destroyed in 2012 by the order of someone in the Los Angeles Police Department, to which prosecutors said, “Not you or anyone on your team?” Shapiro intervened, “I’m going to object to all of this. Can we have a sidebar?”
Shortly after, Shapiro said, “We are going to move for a mistrial at this time based on the prosecutorial misconduct that has occurred. Some prospective jurors said Mr Combs could buy his way out – this type of conspiracy is out there, and this bought into it.”
She continued, “They should have ended with when the fingerprint cards were destroyed. But they asked, ‘Did he authorise it?’ There’s no way to unring this bell. The only proper remedy here is a mistrial.”
Shapiro made these comments despite Subramanian stating, “My intent is to strike from the record any testimony about the fingerprint cards and the destruction of them. I will note that the only answers were what the witness knew about the destruction. I sustained the objection to if it was abnormal.”
Cudi took the stand last week, claiming his Porsche was set alight on his driveway by a Molotov cocktail that was thrown inside after a hole was cut in the roof.
It’s been alleged that Combs had an issue with Cudi over his relationship with Cassie. Combs’ former assistant, Capricorn Clark, recently testified that he threatened to kill Cudi. She recalled him saying, “Get dressed, we’re going to go kill Mescudi,” while holding a gun in his hand.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.