Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, pictured at the 2023 Met Gala, has parted ways with drinks giant Diageo following a dispute involving his Cîroc and DeLeón brands. (Lexie Moreland—WWD/Getty Images)
Sean “Diddy” Combs found himself under intense scrutiny in court this week after a moment that drew sharp criticism from the judge overseeing his trial. The 55-year-old music mogul, currently on trial in New York facing serious charges, was reprimanded for repeatedly nodding at the jury during a witness’s testimony—behavior the judge called “absolutely unacceptable.”
The incident occurred on Thursday during a break in proceedings. After the jury had left the courtroom for lunch, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian addressed Combs’ legal team directly, making it clear that their client’s conduct was out of line.
“I was very clear there should be no facial expressions to the jury, and I could not have been clearer,” Judge Subramanian said sternly.
He continued, highlighting the specific issue: “There was a line of questioning where your client was nodding vigorously and looking at the jury … [This was] absolutely unacceptable … This can’t continue or I will give a limiting instruction you won’t like, or other measures including barring your client from the courtroom. Do you understand?”
According to courtroom observers, Combs’ repeated gestures and facial expressions during testimony appeared to be attempts to subtly influence the jury—an action strictly prohibited in courtrooms, where impartiality and order are paramount.
His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledged the judge’s warning and assured the court it would not happen again.
Diddy’s behavior is now being closely watched as the trial proceeds. With the stakes already high due to the nature of the charges, any perceived attempt to sway the jury even through nonverbal cues could lead to serious consequences, including potential removal from the courtroom.
This latest development adds to the growing tension surrounding the case. Combs has already faced several challenges, including being denied bail and remaining behind bars since his arrest in 2024. The judge’s warning serves as a reminder that even small gestures can carry big implications in a federal courtroom.
As the trial moves forward, all eyes remain on Diddy not just for the testimony unfolding, but for his conduct in a setting where every action is under a microscope.
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