The Sean “Diddy” Combs trial took a dramatic turn on Day 24 as Juror #6 was officially dismissed, raising eyebrows and fueling debates about fairness in the high-profile case. The courtroom buzzed with tension as phone records from Combs’ former chief of staff, Kristina “KK” Khorram, and emotional text exchanges involving security guard Damion “D-Roc” Butler were presented, shedding new light on the allegations against the music mogul. Here’s what unfolded on June 16, 2025, in the Manhattan federal courtroom.
The day kicked off with a bombshell: Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed Juror #6, a 41-year-old Black corrections officer from the Bronx, after weeks of controversy over inconsistent statements about his residency. During jury selection, the juror claimed he lived in the Bronx with his fiancée and daughter. However, he later admitted to spending significant time in New Jersey, raising questions about his eligibility to serve in the Southern District of New York.
Despite a last-ditch effort by Combs’ defense team, who filed a 14-page letter arguing that the dismissal could be seen as racially motivated, the judge stood firm.
“It would be improper to allow race to play a factor,”
Subramanian declared, emphasizing the juror’s “lack of candor” as the reason for his removal. An alternate, a 57-year-old white male accountant from Westchester County, was promptly seated in his place.
Combs’ legal team, led by attorney Xavier Donaldson, had fiercely opposed the dismissal, warning it could lead to a less diverse jury and even threatening to move for a mistrial. The defense argued that the juror’s inconsistent answers about splitting time between New York and New Jersey were not significant enough to warrant his removal. Observers noted Juror #6’s expressive reactions during the trial, often appearing stressed or horrified, though it’s unclear how his presence might have influenced deliberations. With his exit, the trial moved forward, but the debate over jury diversity lingers.
The courtroom then turned its attention to a series of revealing phone records from Kristina “KK” Khorram, Combs’ former chief of staff, presented by paralegal specialist Ananya Sankar from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These records, from March 2016 to February 2024, painted a vivid picture of Combs’ inner circle. Text messages showed assistants coordinating large cash deliveries—ranging from $5,000 to $10,000—for Combs during hotel stays, allegedly tied to the infamous “freak-offs” or “king nights” referenced in the indictment.
One text from an assistant named Jessica Ruiz to KK included flight details for an escort named Paul Arthur, directly linking to charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. Another message mentioned “Guido,” speculated to be a drug supplier, hinting at the logistics of Combs’ alleged criminal enterprise.
Audio recordings from KK’s phone added another layer of intrigue. In one, from 2023, Combs can be heard speaking to his ex-girlfriend “Jane” (testifying under a pseudonym), apologizing after Cassie Ventura’s explosive lawsuit was filed in November 2023. Jane, audibly emotional, responded minimally, while separate texts from her to KK accused Combs of attempting to blackmail her with a sex tape to ensure her compliance. These messages, displayed briefly on courtroom screens, included Jane’s claims of feeling “exploited” and “coerced” during her relationship with Combs, bolstering the prosecution’s case that he used his wealth and influence to manipulate women.
Meanwhile, Combs and his security guard, Damion “D-Roc” Butler, text exchanges offered a glimpse into their personal dynamic. In November 2023, shortly after Ventura’s lawsuit, D-Roc texted Combs,
“I love you, man. I’m here for you,”
accompanied by a heart emoji. Combs reciprocated, responding with gratitude and a heart emoji of his own. In a lighter moment, D-Roc playfully asked Combs to send a picture of his Thanksgiving plate, a tradition between the two. While not directly tied to the charges, these texts humanized the relationships within Combs’ circle, contrasting with the prosecution’s portrayal of a calculated criminal operation.
The prosecution also leaned on testimony from Special Agent Deleassa Penland, who reviewed flight and hotel records allegedly tied to Combs’ “freak-offs.” The defense, however, challenged the reliability of these summary charts, arguing that the witnesses lacked personal knowledge of the events and that the jury should not be led to infer criminal activity without concrete evidence.
The trial is nearing a critical juncture. The government is expected to rest its case this week, possibly as early as Wednesday. The defense is set to begin its case on Friday, with witnesses Vashta Wilson and Stefan Linde slated to testify, followed by a defense expert next week.
As the trial progresses, questions swirl about why key figures like KK and D-Roc have not been indicted or called as witnesses, despite their phones being seized. Speculation on social media platforms like X suggests KK may have cooperated with authorities after Ventura’s lawsuit, providing crucial evidence to guide the prosecution’s strategy.
For now, Combs, who faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, remains in custody without bail, with a potential sentence of 15 years to life if convicted.
The dismissal of Juror #6, combined with the damning phone records and emotional text exchanges, has kept the Diddy trial in the spotlight, captivating audiences and raising stakes for all involved. Stay tuned for more updates as this blockbuster case unfolds.