Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has filed a motion for a mistrial in his high-profile sex trafficking federal trial.
The motion was triggered by testimony from arson investigator Lance Jimenez, who spoke about fingerprint evidence allegedly linked to a 2011 trespassing incident at the home of rapper Kid Cudi, a central figure in the broader case involving Combs.
According to CNN, during his testimony, Jimenez claimed that fingerprint cards recovered during the investigation were mysteriously destroyed by a member of the LAPD in August 2012.
Sean “Diddy” Combs attends the REVOLT X AT&T 3-Day Summit In Los Angeles – Day 1 at Magic Box on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Defense attorneys immediately objected, arguing that such allegations—though not directly tied to Combs—could unfairly influence jurors.
“This type of conspiracy theory is out there, and the type of implication we believe these questions were designed to create plays right into that,” said defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro. She accused the prosecution of misconduct and moved for a mistrial on those grounds.
The defense expressed concern that the implication of tampered evidence might reinforce certain jurors’ suspicions that Combs has historically used his wealth and influence to avoid legal consequences.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs speaks onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
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Judge Arun Subramanian denied the motion for a mistrial but agreed with the defense that the testimony was inappropriate.
He ordered that the fingerprint-related remarks be struck from the official record, stating, “The questions regarding the destruction of the fingerprint cards and the answers given are irrelevant to this case and this defendant and are not to be considered by you.”
The prosecution supported the judge’s decision, calling the request for a mistrial “absolutely unwarranted.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs attends the 2018 Fox Network Upfront at Wollman Rink, Central Park on May 14, 2018 in New York City.
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While the mistrial was avoided, the tense exchange underscored the high stakes and legal maneuvering that continue to shape Combs’ closely watched trial.
The 55-year-old has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and other crimes as part of an alleged ongoing criminal enterprise and faces a potential life sentence in prison.
Combs has plead not guilty to all charges and continues to maintain his innocence.
(FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Sean “Diddy” Combs performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 24, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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