Joe Harker
There has been a new development in the trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs after prosecutors asked that one of the jurors be axed over claims they have displayed a 'lack of candour'.
According to the Washington Post the prosecution has launched a bid to remove juror number six, which Combs' defence team have argued against and claimed is 'a thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror'.
US Assistant Attorney Maurene Comey responded by saying that the prosecution had researched the juror and 'saw what appeared to be a lack of candour with the court that raises serious issues'.
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She told the court: "We were very reluctant to put in this letter, it appeared to be a lack of candour with the court that raises serious issues with us.
"We did not want to do this. We were compelled to do that."
NBC reports that the matter was raised yesterday (10 June) and Combs' attorneys wanted the chance to respond to the prosecution's attempt to have the juror removed.
The trial is ongoing as a woman going under the name 'Jane' to protect her identity is giving testimony on her relationship with Combs.
Yesterday, she spoke about how he allegedly flew escorts out to participate in 'freak offs' and claims she was 'pressured' into participating, and spoke of how she was 'under a lot of emotional pressure' while in a relationship with Combs.
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The court heard how Combs referred to Jane as his 'crack pipe' as he faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs denies all of the charges he is currently on trial for, but if found guilty the rapper could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The trial has already heard evidence from another of Combs' exes, Cassie Ventura, who gave testimony on how he allegedly abused her and made her participate in the 'freak offs'.
Some observers of the trial think that Combs' team are trying to employ the 'sweater defense' by having the rapper, whose hair is now going white as he no longer has access to hair dye in custody, wearing clothes that will give the jury a certain image of him.
The jury has heard all sorts of testimony about Combs, listened to voice notes and seen text messages ahead of the moment where they will be required to deliberate on the evidence they've seen and deliver a verdict.
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There was previously some other chaos in the courtroom as the judge threatened to remove Combs for 'absolutely unacceptable' behaviour as he was 'nodding' and looking at the jurors at one point in the trial.
The trial continues.