Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Sex-Trafficking Trial Delayed After Juror Falls Ill as Alleged Drug Mule Set to Testify

Trial was derailed Wednesday because of a sick juror as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged “drug mule” had been set to testify against him.

The high-profile federal sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs was unexpectedly delayed on Wednesday due to a juror suffering from vertigo symptoms, halting proceedings just as prosecutors were preparing to call their final major witness—Combs’ alleged drug supplier, Brendan Paul.

Judge Arun Subramanian informed the courtroom shortly after 9 a.m. that the illness made it impossible to proceed. The trial will resume Friday morning following the Juneteenth federal holiday.

Paul was expected to testify as the last major prosecution witness and he is expected to testify under an immunity deal with prosecutors

Brendan Paul, 25, a former college basketball player turned aspiring music producer, was in court and prepared to testify. Paul was arrested on March 26, 2024, at a Miami airport while attempting to board Combs’ private jet. Authorities found cocaine and marijuana edibles in his possession. Around the same time, federal agents raided Combs’ residences in Miami and Los Angeles.

Although the criminal case against Paul was dropped in December after he completed a diversion program for drug treatment, he remains a central figure in the ongoing trial. In a $30 million civil lawsuit filed by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, Paul was accused of being Combs’ personal “drug mule” and supplier of firearms.

Paul was arrested last year as he was about to board Combs’ plane in Miami and he was allegedly carrying cocaine and marijuana candies

On Tuesday, Paul briefly took the stand without the jury present and invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to testify to avoid self-incrimination. However, prosecutors announced they would grant him immunity on the condition he testifies truthfully.

Paul played Division I basketball at Syracuse University from 2018 to 2020, later transferring to Division II Fairmont State University to complete his collegiate career. He is expected to be the final significant witness before the prosecution concludes its case.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex-trafficking and racketeering charges

Following Paul’s testimony, two additional law enforcement witnesses are scheduled. Combs’ defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has indicated the defense’s case may last only two days. He plans to call at least three witnesses, including two former Combs employees and a paralegal from his own law firm. The schedule suggests that Combs will not take the stand in his own defense.

Combs, 55, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and prostitution-related offenses. Prosecutors allege he forced women into drug-fueled orgies with male sex workers, which he watched, recorded, and participated in. The accusations span several years and involve numerous alleged victims.

The artist has pleaded not guilty, asserting through his legal team that the encounters were consensual and involved adult partners in personal relationships. However, the jury has already heard emotionally charged testimony from two women, including his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, describing abuse and coercion.

Combs has remained in custody since his September 2023 arrest. If convicted on the top count, he faces a possible life sentence.