The 23rd day of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan shifted the spotlight to law enforcement, as a Homeland Security agent offered detailed testimony about the March 2024 raid on the defendant’s Los Angeles residence. The day also included disputes over admissibility of evidence, discussion of juror integrity, and a surprise visit from music artist Ye.
While previous days featured emotional testimony from key witnesses, today centered largely on the government’s effort to establish patterns of behavior through physical evidence and firsthand accounts from insiders. Legal teams debated whether certain material, particularly firearms and lubricants, should influence the jury, while new details emerged from Combs’ former assistant about how the entertainer allegedly operated behind closed doors.
Judge Considers Removing Juror Amid Concerns
The morning began with U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian addressing concerns from prosecutors about one juror’s eligibility. The government previously raised objections regarding what it described as a “lack of candor” from the juror, and the judge acknowledged that the issue could stem from questions about the panelist’s place of residence.
Subramanian made clear that the matter would be resolved quickly, expressing hope that the juror might offer a reasonable explanation. For now, the juror remains seated, but a final decision could come soon as both sides seek clarity on the panel’s integrity.
Legal Pushback Over Firearm Evidence
Before witness testimony resumed, the defense raised strong objections to potential government questioning related to firearms found during Combs’ arrest. Lead defense counsel Marc Agnifilo argued that the presence of weapons, including high-powered rifles and specialized ammunition, is irrelevant to the charges in this case, which do not directly involve guns.
Agnifilo suggested that the inclusion of such evidence could unfairly prejudice jurors, calling the subject a divisive issue that might distract from the core allegations. Judge Subramanian did not issue a ruling at that moment, but the debate set the tone for how certain topics may be addressed moving forward.
Homeland Security Agent Details Raid Findings
The prosecution then called Homeland Security agent Andre LeMon to the stand, who testified about the contents of the raid on Combs’ Mapleton Drive mansion. LeMon, a seasoned investigator with experience in trafficking cases, described in vivid detail what agents uncovered during the March 2024 operation.
Among the items found were nearly 900 bottles of Astroglide and 200 bottles of baby oil, products associated by prior witnesses with Combs’ alleged “hotel nights” and private encounters. LeMon testified that in his professional experience, such large quantities of lubricant were unusual, stating that no other human trafficking raids he had conducted had produced anything comparable.
Additionally, LeMon told the court that agents discovered six envelopes labeled with the letter “K,” which later tested positive for ketamine. Firearms were also seized, including AR-15-style rifles, a Glock handgun, and green-tip ammunition designed to pierce body armor.
Courtroom Behavior and Ye’s Appearance
Tensions flared during an exchange over Combs’ courtroom demeanor. Prosecutor Maurene Comey told the judge that Combs appeared to nod visibly as witnesses testified, prompting concern about influencing jurors. The defense rejected this claim, arguing that the defendant had remained composed and respectful. Judge Subramanian said the court would remain vigilant but acknowledged the difficulty in managing subtle expressions and movements during a high-profile trial.
In a surprise twist, rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) made an appearance at the courthouse. Greeted by bystanders as he entered the building, Ye confirmed he was there to support Combs. However, he did not attend the proceedings and left about 40 minutes later.
Former Assistant Testifies on Drug Use and Sex Tapes
Later in the day, prosecutors called Jonathan Perez, a former personal assistant to Combs. Dressed in a brown suit and black tie, Perez provided detailed testimony about his job responsibilities, which allegedly included arranging “king nights” for the defendant. Preparations for these nights involved assembling bags with clothing, food, condoms, red lights, and drugs
Perez testified that drug procurement was part of his role, often using money given to him by Combs’ head of security. He also described discovering a sex tape on a company iPad, which he claimed featured explicit footage involving Combs and another individual.
According to Perez, a Gucci pouch carried by Combs during travel contained a mix of controlled substances, including cocaine, ketamine, Xanax, Adderall, and molly, and was a consistent part of the entertainer’s travel gear.
Trial Continues as Homeland Security Agent Testimony Highlights Government Strategy
As the day concluded, the testimony of the Homeland Security agent underscored the government’s intent to link physical evidence from Combs’ residence to broader allegations of misconduct. The introduction of raid-related findings, combined with insider testimony from a former assistant, marked a pivotal moment in the trial’s progression. With juror concerns unresolved and the defense pressing back on admissibility of key evidence, the trial remains in a tense and closely watched phase. More developments are expected as witnesses continue and the case builds toward a verdict, with the Homeland Security agent’s testimony now playing a central role in the narrative.
