A presiding judge issued stern warnings to Sean Combs regarding his courtroom behavior, threatening removal after observing inappropriate interactions with jury members.
During proceedings in the case involving multiple allegations against the 55-year-old music executive—including racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving force, fraud, or coercion—Judge Arun Subramanian addressed concerning conduct on June 5.
After dismissing the jury for their lunch break, the judge confronted Combs about making facial expressions directed toward jurors during witness testimony, with reports indicating he had been nodding in response to various statements.
Judge Subramanian characterized this behavior as completely unacceptable and reminded the defense that he had previously made clear his prohibition against any facial expressions in his courtroom.
When questioned whether his client would continue such conduct, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo assured the court it would not happen again.
The judge responded with explicit consequences: “If it happens again, I will give an instruction to the jury or it could result in the exclusion of your client from the courtroom. This cannot happen again.”
Court artist Jane Rosenberg, who has attended throughout the trial and preliminary proceedings, confirmed that Combs had been making expressions toward jurors since proceedings began.
She noted that the defendant had been attempting to interact with jury members from across the courtroom, with his reactions varying based on the testifying witness and their statements.
Combs faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, all of which he has consistently denied while entering not guilty pleas.
The indictment alleges that Combs and associates within his organization used his business position’s power and influence to intimidate, threaten, and manipulate female victims into his circle, often under false romantic pretenses.
The charging document claims that with assistance from members and associates, Combs transported commercial sex workers across state and international boundaries, then employed force, threats, and coercion to compel victims into extended sexual encounters with male commercial sex workers in events he termed various names including inappropriate gatherings.
Multiple witnesses have provided testimony against the music industry figure over recent weeks, including his former romantic partner, her mother Regina, and various former employees of the defendant.