Judge Denies Mistrial Motion in Diddy’s Sex Trafficking and Racketeering Case Amid Explosive Testimony
- Victor Nwoko
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A federal judge has denied a motion for mistrial filed by defense attorneys for music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in his ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering case. The motion followed contentious testimony involving the 2012 arson of rapper Kid Cudi’s car, which prosecutors allege is part of a larger criminal conspiracy tied to Combs.
During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator Lance Jimenez about fingerprint evidence from the car bombing incident and whether it had been destroyed, as well as who may have authorized such destruction. The defense objected, arguing that the questioning suggested Combs had the power to manipulate or erase evidence, which could unfairly sway the jury.
“They were trying to plant this idea to these jurors that Mr. Combs authorized this,” said defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro.
Judge Arun Subramanian rejected the mistrial request, ruling that the prosecutor’s questions did not rise to the level of prejudice that would warrant ending the trial. He instructed jurors to disregard any questions concerning the lost fingerprint evidence.
The testimony relates to a 2012 incident in which a Molotov cocktail was thrown into Kid Cudi’s vehicle. Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified last week that his car was set ablaze during a period when he was dating singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. Ventura had been in a volatile, on-and-off relationship with Combs for 11 years and previously testified that Combs threatened to blow up Cudi’s car after discovering their relationship.
Federal prosecutors have charged Combs with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The arson incident is cited in the indictment as part of an alleged racketeering conspiracy that prosecutors say spanned years and involved threats, coercion, and violence. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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