Sick juror derails Diddy trial as rapper’s ‘drug mule’ was set to testify

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ highly anticipated sex-trafficking trial hit a snag on Wednesday due to a sick juror, delaying the proceedings just as the rapper’s alleged “drug mule” was set to take the stand.

Manhattan federal Judge Arun Subramanian announced the setback early in the morning, revealing that a juror was experiencing vertigo symptoms, making it impossible to continue with the trial that day.

The trial, which has garnered widespread attention, will now be on hold until Friday morning, with Thursday being a federal holiday in observance of Juneteenth.

Brendan Paul, the former college basketball player accused of supplying drugs to Combs, had been scheduled to testify against the hip-hop mogul on Wednesday. Paul, who was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to board Combs’ plane in Miami with cocaine and marijuana candy, was expected to be a key witness in the prosecution’s case.

The 25-year-old Paul, who was later granted immunity by prosecutors after initially pleading the Fifth, is at the center of a $30 million lawsuit filed by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones against Combs. Paul is alleged to have acted as Combs’ “drug mule” and supplied him with drugs and guns.

Despite the delay, Combs’ defense team has indicated that their case will be brief, lasting only a couple of days. They plan to call three witnesses, including former employees of Combs and a paralegal from their firm. It is unlikely that Combs will testify in his defense.

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and prostitution-related offenses, faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege that he forced women to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes while under the influence of drugs, a claim that Combs vehemently denies.

Throughout the trial, testimonies from witnesses, including Combs’ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, have painted a picture of a controlling and abusive individual who coerced women into participating in sexual activities against their will.

As the trial continues to unfold, the outcome remains uncertain for Combs, who has been in custody since his arrest in September. The case has captured the attention of the public and the music industry alike, with many eagerly awaiting the verdict in this high-profile legal battle.