Entertainment
Diddy Asks Judge For Mistrial If Juror is Dismissed, Accuses Prosecution of Racial Bias
Diddy Trial
If You Dismiss That Black Juror, I Want A Mistrial!!!
Published
Diddy‘s accusing the prosecutors in his case of trying to get rid of a Black juror … and, he says he wants a mistrial if the judge goes through with the dismissal.
The rapper’s legal team filed a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian Sunday evening … claiming that — while the Court might believe the prosecution’s questions about a juror’s inconsistent answers during voir dire are sincere — the government is just finding pretense to dismiss a juror because of their race.
Diddy’s team says by putting the dismissal attempt into the context of the overarching proceedings, it’s easy to see that they’re trying “to take advantage of an opportunity to strike yet another black male from the jury.”
The juror’s inconsistent answers about their residency during voir dire, Diddy’s team says, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not fit to serve on an a jury … and, they cite Judge Subramanian’s own words from Friday when he said “the subject matter of what was being addressed is so far afield from the juror’s performance.”
TMZ.com
However, Diddy’s team adds, the judge changed his mind by the afternoon … signaling his intent to dismiss the juror without further inquiry — and, Diddy’s side feels there’s no justification for it.
By dismissing a juror of color, Diddy argues, the people of color will be less likely to serve on a jury in the future.
Diddy’s side also lays out a series of alleged abuses by the government during their investigation into him … claiming law enforcement used excessive force during the raids on his properties and investigators steadily leaked “false and prejudicial” information to the public.
His demand is clear … Diddy says that if the Court insists on dismissing this one particular juror, then he believes he deserves a mistrial.
TMZ.com
This is the third time Diddy has asked for a mistrial in this case … and, many of the arguments here were made by his attorney, Xavier Donaldson, in court on Friday. According to multiple reports, four of the jurors are white, eight are not. The Daily Mail reports five of the jurors are Black.
At the time, the judge said he would consider the defense’s arguments over the weekend … though he did indicate he was likely to dismiss the juror.
TMZ.com
Don Lemon is apparently in the DOJ’s crosshairs after he was covering a group of ICE protesters who interrupted a church service in Minnesota’s Twin Cities … and at least one parishioner wants them all charged.
Here’s the deal … The former CNN host — now an independent journalist — live-streamed from Cities Church in St. Paul, MN, where a bunch of demonstrators interrupted the Sunday service to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the state. One of the pastors is allegedly an ICE official.
TikTok/@donlemon
Cities Church parishioner Caleb Phillips tells TMZ … the protesters rocked the church and scared the hell out of a lot of good people … but ultimately, they accomplished nothing.
Don Lemon may have been on the job … but Caleb tells us he should be ashamed of going into the church, seeing how upset everyone, especially children, were. CP also couldn’t believe Lemon dared to do an ambush interview of lead pastor Jonathan Parnell.
TMZ.com
The DOJ said Monday an investigation had been opened … and alluded that Lemon would not be exempt.
After the situation settled and police arrived … Caleb tells us Parnell told members the protest target, Pastor David Easterwood, was in law enforcement for decades and has been a pastor at the church for 10 years. The church stands firmly behind him.
Caleb is still on edge now — and knows others are, too – but he’s sure this will draw more people to the church. That said, he doesn’t want any newcomers there simply because they’re supportive of ICE. They need to be there for Jesus.
TMZ.com
Fancy a night of cutting loose and cracking up? Funny you should ask — ’cause TMZ just threw its first-ever comedy crawl … and it was an absolute hoot.
Catch the clip for nonstop laughs — our rolling comedy party was hosted by Brittany Schmitt and Mateen Stewart, who kept the jokes coming all night as the TMZ party bus ferried everyone to three of L.A.’s hottest comedy spots.
The crawl kicked off at the Hollywood Improv, then rolled over to the Laugh Factory … where things seriously leveled up with a VIP view of Dane Cook’s set.
The final stop was the Comedy Store and its buzzing outdoor patio … where guests knocked back free shots and raised a group toast to celebrate the first-ever “TMZ Comedy Crawl.”
As one last surprise, passengers scored free tickets to future shows at the Hollywood Improv and Laugh Factory — plus a discounted Comedy Store ticket … ending the night on a total high note.
TMZ.com
So yeah — if you want in on the laughs, grab your tickets now!
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