Latest news with #Donaldson
Black America Web
2 days ago
- Black America Web
Juror's Wild Living Situation Creates Drama In Diddy's Sex Trafficking Case
Source: Variety / Getty A Black male juror was excused from Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial after 'inconsistent' answers about where he lives. Combs' lawyers opposed the decision, claiming in a motion filed over the weekend that 'Combs would be substantially prejudiced by the dismissal.' On Monday, the judge made his decision final, telling Juror No. 6 to bounce. And his living situation is wild. According to Variety , the juror claimed on a questionnaire that he, his fiancée and his daughter lived in the Bronx. But after the trial began, he allegedly told another juror during a break, that he'd moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend. When questioned about his living situation the juror claimed that he had an apartment in the Bronx where he stays during the week, but he also spends time with his daughter and her mother in New Jersey. Oh, at one point he also claimed that he lived with an aunt but didn't mention her again when questioned about where he resides. Because the juror never explained his complex living situation (assuming that any of what he said was true,) Judge Arun Subramanian said there were too many 'inconsistencies' between the juror's answers in the court transcripts, which could be an attempt to 'shade answers' or 'be deceptive' just to get on the jury. 'There are serious questions about the juror's candor and the juror's ability to follow the court's instructions,' Subramanian said, Variety reports. The judge added that there are six alternate jurors on standby to preserve the 'integrity' of the court. 'Removal of the juror is required, in this court's view.' Xavier Donaldson, one of Combs' lawyers, objected the judge's decision noting that it's 'very, very common' for New Yorkers to move around the city and New Jersey. Donaldson added that the court was 'equating inconsistencies with lying.' 'I do believe he will be able to follow instructions,' Donaldson said, adding that Juror No. 6 has been 'awake — I can't say they all have been awake.' Wait, have jurors in the Diddy trial been falling asleep? Or does he mean 'awake' in the righteous sense of the word? Who knows. It appears that Diddy's lawyers were upset because they were losing a Black male juror from the Bronx (assuming that he actually lives in the Bronx) and the hope, I'm sure, was that this juror was going to be sympathetic to Diddy's plight. But I could be completely wrong. Donaldson noted that this jury was a diverse group and he didn't want to lose that diversity over miscommunication. 'That part is important to me and my client,' Donaldson said, adding that dismissing the juror would be 'a step backward.' 'I don't generally play the race card unless I have it in my hand,' Donaldson said. The prosecution was like, 'Look, fam. It's great that the jury is diverse but ol boy can't seem to figure out where he lives and that's why we have alternates.' I'm paraphrasing but you get the point. Variety notes that this is the sixth week of the trial and the prosecution should be finished calling its case this week. The defense will then have a chance to call witnesses. If found guilty of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, Diddy could face life in prison. See the latest reactions to the case below. SEE ALSO Juror's Wild Living Situation Creates Drama In Diddy's Sex Trafficking Case was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Juror dismissed in Diddy trial over 'inconsistencies'
A juror in the sex trafficking trial of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs has been removed after giving inconsistent answers about where he lives. During jury selection, the juror indicated on a questionnaire that he lived in the Bronx area of New York. But more recently, he told a court staffer he had moved in with his girlfriend in New Jersey. On Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian said he had found "several inconsistencies" between the juror's answers in court transcripts, which he said could suggest a desire to "be deceptive" in an effort to get on the jury. Lawyers for Combs had opposed the decision, saying that Combs would be "substantially prejudiced by the dismissal" of a black male from the jury. The juror has been replaced by an alternative juror, a 57-year-old white father from Westchester. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The possible dismissal of the juror has been discussed by lawyers for the past week. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey had asked that a juror be dismissed for what she described as "a lack of candour". The prosecution said the juror had disclosed that he recently moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend and had been staying there for most of the trial. When he was questioned behind closed doors, the juror said he was staying in an apartment in the Bronx, New York, during the week, for four to five nights, when he was working and doing jury duty. But the juror had said at an earlier stage, in a prospective juror interview several weeks ago, that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancé and daughter. At one point, the juror had also mentioned living with an aunt, but later omitted her. The judge said he had found "several inconsistencies" between the juror's answers in the court transcripts. The inconsistencies, the judge said, could point to a desire to "shade answers" and raised serious question about the juror's "candour" and his "ability to follow instructions". The judge noted that there were six alternative jurors to preserve the "integrity" of the court. "Removal of the juror is required, in this court's view," the judge said. One of Combs' lawyers, Xavier Donaldson, objected to the judge's inclination, saying it is "very, very common" for New Yorkers to move between the city and New Jersey. He said he believed the court is "equating inconsistencies with lying." "I do believe he will be able to follow instructions," Donaldson said, adding that Juror No. 6 has been "awake - I can't say they all have been awake". The defence's main objection related to the juror's race, with Donaldson noting that the trial's jury was the most diverse he had seen in his three-decade career. "That part is important to me and my client," Donaldson said, adding that if the court were to dismiss the juror, it would be "a step backward." "I don't generally play the race card unless I have it in my hand," Donaldson said. Combs's legal team had requested a mistrial should the juror be dismissed. Federal prosecutors rejected the implication that they were making decisions based on race, commenting that it was a "wonderful thing" that the jury was diverse. The judge said the jury in the trial does not raise concerns about diversity, adding: "The court cannot and should not let race factor into what it should do." On Monday, the judge said: "There is nothing the juror can say at this point that can put the genie back in the bottle and repair his credibility." Eight men and four women were selected for the jury, along with six alternates. The trial is in its sixth week. The prosecution plans to finish presenting its case this week, at which point the defence will have the chance to call its own witnesses.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Diddy Juror Removed After ‘Inconsistent' Answers About Where He Lives; Diddy's Lawyers Object and Decry Racial Prejudice
A juror in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial has been removed after giving 'inconsistent' answers about where he lives. Before the judge finalized his ruling on Monday morning, Combs' lawyers opposed the decision, writing in a motion over the weekend that 'Combs would be substantially prejudiced by the dismissal' of a Black male from the jury. The question of whether Juror No. 6 would be dismissed was discussed by the attorneys throughout the past week of the Combs trial, after the judge observed 'inconsistencies' in how he spoke about his residence. During jury selection, the juror indicated on a questionnaire that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancé and baby daughter. But weeks later, in an offhand conversation during a break, the man told another juror he had recently moved in with his girlfriend in New Jersey. More from Variety Kanye West Makes Surprise Appearance at Diddy Trial Diddy's 4 Most Damning Witnesses So Far, From an Anonymous Assistant to a Hotel Security Guard Diddy's Texts With Ex-Girlfriend Read in Court: She Told Him 'I'm Not a Porn Star, I'm Not an Animal' and I'm Done 'Performing Loveless, Cold Sex' With Other Men The court then questioned the juror about where he lived, and he clarified that he has an apartment in the Bronx where he sleeps during the week, but he spends time with his daughter and her mother in New Jersey. He also at one point mentioned living with an aunt, later omitting her. On Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian said he found 'several inconsistencies' between the juror's answers in the court transcripts, which he said could point to a desire to 'shade answers' or 'be deceptive' in an effort to get on the jury. The judge stressed the importance of court action if there is any evidence of a juror with a 'personal agenda.' 'There are serious questions about the juror's candor and the juror's ability to follow the court's instructions,' Subramanian said, adding that they have six alternate jurors to preserve the 'integrity' of the court. 'Removal of the juror is required, in this court's view.' One of Combs' lawyers, Xavier Donaldson, stood up and objected to the judge's inclination, saying it is 'very, very common' for New Yorkers to move between the city and New Jersey. He said he believed the court is 'equating inconsistencies with lying.' 'I do believe he will be able to follow instructions,' Donaldson said, adding that Juror No. 6 has been 'awake — I can't say they all have been awake.' The defense's main objection pertained to the juror's race, as Donaldson said this trial's jury is the most diverse jury he has seen in his three-decade career. 'That part is important to me and my client,' Donaldson said, adding that if the court were to dismiss the juror, it would be 'a step backward.' 'I don't generally play the race card unless I have it in my hand,' Donaldson said. Federal prosecutors took issue with Donaldson's implication, saying they are not making decisions based on race, and 'it's a wonderful thing' the jury is diverse. They added that they have observed all of the jurors, including the alternates, paying close attention to the court proceedings. Combs' criminal trial continues into its sixth week, as the Bad Boy Records mogul pleads not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The prosecution plans to finish presenting its case this week, at which point the defense will have the chance to call its own witnesses. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Diddy Juror Removed After ‘Inconsistent' Answers About Where He Lives; Diddy's Lawyers Object and Decry Racial Prejudice
A juror in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial has been removed after giving 'inconsistent' answers about where he lives. Before the judge finalized his ruling on Monday morning, Combs' lawyers opposed the decision, writing in a motion over the weekend that 'Combs would be substantially prejudiced by the dismissal' of a Black male from the jury. The question of whether Juror No. 6 would be dismissed was discussed by the attorneys throughout the past week of the Combs trial, after the judge observed 'inconsistencies' in how he spoke about his residence. During jury selection, the juror indicated on a questionnaire that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancé and baby daughter. But weeks later, in an offhand conversation during a break, the man told another juror he had recently moved in with his girlfriend in New Jersey. More from Variety Kanye West Makes Surprise Appearance at Diddy Trial Diddy's 4 Most Damning Witnesses So Far, From an Anonymous Assistant to a Hotel Security Guard Diddy's Texts With Ex-Girlfriend Read in Court: She Told Him 'I'm Not a Porn Star, I'm Not an Animal' and I'm Done 'Performing Loveless, Cold Sex' With Other Men The court then questioned the juror about where he lived, and he clarified that he has an apartment in the Bronx where he sleeps during the week, but he spends time with his daughter and her mother in New Jersey. He also at one point mentioned living with an aunt, later omitting her. On Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian said he found 'several inconsistencies' between the juror's answers in the court transcripts, which he said could point to a desire to 'shade answers' or 'be deceptive' in an effort to get on the jury. The judge stressed the importance of court action if there is any evidence of a juror with a 'personal agenda.' 'There are serious questions about the juror's candor and the juror's ability to follow the court's instructions,' Subramanian said, adding that they have six alternate jurors to preserve the 'integrity' of the court. 'Removal of the juror is required, in this court's view.' One of Combs' lawyers, Xavier Donaldson, stood up and objected to the judge's inclination, saying it is 'very, very common' for New Yorkers to move between the city and New Jersey. He said he believed the court is 'equating inconsistencies with lying.' 'I do believe he will be able to follow instructions,' Donaldson said, adding that Juror No. 6 has been 'awake — I can't say they all have been awake.' The defense's main objection pertained to the juror's race, as Donaldson said this trial's jury is the most diverse jury he has seen in his three-decade career. 'That part is important to me and my client,' Donaldson said, adding that if the court were to dismiss the juror, it would be 'a step backward.' 'I don't generally play the race card unless I have it in my hand,' Donaldson said. Federal prosecutors took issue with Donaldson's implication, saying they are not making decisions based on race, and 'it's a wonderful thing' the jury is diverse. They added that they have observed all of the jurors, including the alternates, paying close attention to the court proceedings. Combs' criminal trial continues into its sixth week, as the Bad Boy Records mogul pleads not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The prosecution plans to finish presenting its case this week, at which point the defense will have the chance to call its own witnesses. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Politics
- Sunday World
An Garda Síochána facing legal action over Denis Donaldson investigation
The ombudsman said in a letter to the Donaldson family that it believed gardai had failed to fulfil a request for information necessary for its investigation. Fiosrú is taking An Garda Síochána to court over its failure to comply with an investigation into the murder of MI5 informant Denis Donaldson, it's been reported. Mr Donaldson, formerly a member of the IRA, was murdered in his Co Donegal cottage in 2006 several months after outing himself as a British spy. The Real IRA admitted to shooting the high-ranking Sinn Fein official three years later. The ombudsman said in a letter to the Donaldson family that it believed gardai had failed to fulfil a request for information necessary for its investigation. Double agent Denis Donaldson was shot dead in 2006 News in 90 Seconds - 15th June 2025 Fiosrú told the family it would begin legal proceedings in Dublin Circuit Civil Court seeking an order for disclosure, RTÉ also reported. An Garda Síochána declined for comment adding it did not remark on Fiosrú matters. Enda McGarrity, the Donaldson family's lawyer, said the watchdog's investigation had taken place over the course of three years. 'We now understand that Fiosrú are commencing legal proceedings against An Garda Síochána arising out of a failure to comply with aspects of the investigation,' she said. 'That's a matter of significant concern to the family because the body which is charged with investigating the murder of Denis Donaldson are now not only being investigated, but failing to comply with investigation and that gives rise to family's wider concern that the State are currently not delivering an effective investigation.' It comes after Gerry Adams won a defamation case against the BBC in May following a story in 2016 in which it was claimed he was linked to the murder of Mr Donaldson. The five-week trial centred on an anonymous source in a BBC NI Spotlight programme claiming Mr Adams had sanctioned the shooting by giving 'the final say'. The 76-year-old, who had always denied the allegation, described it as a 'grievous smear' and accused the BBC of upholding 'the ethos of the British state in Ireland'. Mr Adams was awarded €100,000 in damages by the High Court jury in Dublin. The BBC reported the legal bill could cost up to €4.9 and is understood to be one of the most expensive cases they have ever fought.
