It’s been a little while since the sex-trafficking trial of Sean Combs, known as Diddy, wrapped up in New York City. The rapper walked away with a mixed verdict, successfully dodging a serious racketeering charge (often referred to as RICO). As people dive into what went down during the case, various voices are sharing their thoughts, including one remarkable alternate juror.
What was the Juror’s Experience in the Courtroom?
Before the trial kicked off, many expected it would be a tough job to find a jury for Diddy, who’s 55. Ultimately, 12 jurors were seated, with six alternates present as well. One of these alternates talked to Fox News about his experience, confirming his position with an official badge. He mentioned that before stepping into the courtroom, he hadn’t really been involved in similar situations at all. Hiswords about the trial resonated deeply:
“Honestly, it felt like a movie. For someone who hadn’t really been in court or followed legal proceedings, just witnessing everything was unforgettable.”
The trial saw many notable twists and turns, not to mention high-profile witnesses called to testify. Among them, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and rapper Kid Cudi both lent their voices to the proceedings. In the end, out of the four charges leveled against him, the juror notes that Combs was only convicted on two counts.
What Made the Defense Win the RICO Charge?
Diddy was found guilty on charges of transportation for illegal prostitution but managed to escape the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which is a huge win. A RICO charge typically indicates involvement in organized crime. The alternate juror believes the defense’s strategy played a crucial role in this outcome, stating:
“There were clear moments when the defense really made their mark. One situation that stuck with me was how they approached the cross-examination of Dawn Richard. You could tell the defense was strategic, and seeing that play out was impressive.”
Singer Dawn Richard asserted that she had advised Cassie to leave Diddy after seeing him allegedly abuse her. She also mentioned that he had approached her regarding an argument and asked her not to comment about the details she witnessed. Richard even claimed Diddy threatened her life, yet the defense pointed out she didn’t mention this until a week before the trial.
Another friend of Cassie’s, Bryana “Bana” Bongolan, testified that Diddy had dangled her from a balcony during a fight. But under questioning by the defense attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, she admittedly struggled to recall specific details.
As the dust settles on the trial and with Diddy currently at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting sentencing on October 3, it will be interesting to see if more jurors choose to come forward and share their courtroom experiences.
