U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian issued a stern warning to Sean "Diddy" Combs on Thursday, threatening to eject the music mogul from his ongoing federal sex trafficking trial after accusing him of attempting to influence the jury through facial expressions and gestures.
The warning came during a pause in the proceedings after the jury had been excused for lunch. Speaking directly to Combs' lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, the judge said, "I was very clear there were not to be any facial expressions or any attempts to influence the jury." Subramanian added that during the cross-examination of a witness, Combs was "looking at the jury and nodding vigorously."
The judge warned that if it happened again, he would speak to the jury and might remove Combs from the courtroom for the rest of the trial. Agnifilo responded, "No, your honor, it's not going to happen again."
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He was arrested in September after a federal indictment alleged years of abuse and coercion involving women in the entertainment industry.
Inside the courtroom, court artist Jane Rosenberg told NBC News that Combs had been making facial expressions at jurors "since the start of the trial." She said he appeared to be interacting "affirmatively and negatively, depending on the testimony."
Following the judge's warning, a third alleged victim-identified in court only as "Jane"-took the stand. Prosecutors said she is "Victim-2" in the indictment and alleged that Combs used "lies, drugs, threats, and violence" to coerce her into participating in what have been described as "Freak Offs," gatherings allegedly involving sexual exploitation and abuse.
Earlier Thursday, the jury heard additional testimony from fashion designer Bryana "Bana" Bongolan, a close friend of Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who has already been identified as "Victim-1." Bongolan described a 2016 incident in which she claimed Combs dangled her over a 17-story balcony after one of his parties.
Bongolan said she suffered a bruise on the back of her leg, back pain, and chronic neck pain. "I have night terrors and paranoia and scream in my sleep at times," she told the jury.
Bongolan also recounted another incident in which she claimed Combs approached her during a beach photoshoot and said, "I'm the devil, and I could kill you." She told the court that she was terrified and didn't know what triggered it.
Defense attorneys sought to undermine her account, noting that photos of her injuries were taken on the same date Combs was in New York for a charity event. "Ma'am, you agree that one person can't be in two places at the same time?" asked defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland during cross-examination.
The prosecution has argued that Combs maintained a network of control and intimidation over the alleged victims, many of whom are testifying under pseudonyms. Prosecutors have asked the court to bar defense attorneys from disclosing identifying details.
Cassie Ventura previously settled a separate civil lawsuit with Combs and identified herself as "Victim-1" in this federal case. "Jane," the current witness, is one of three other women listed anonymously.
Courtroom observers noted that Combs' demeanor has shifted noticeably since the trial began. One source familiar with the proceedings told RadarOnline.com that Combs had been "visibly agitated" during parts of the testimony, often looking toward the jury during moments of damaging allegations.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks as additional accusers and witnesses are scheduled to testify.
