In the ongoing trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, his lawyers asked the judge to declare a mistrial, but the request was denied. The defense made the request after prosecutors questioned a fire investigator about missing fingerprint evidence from the time Kid Cudi’s car was set on fire in 2012. Prosecutors also asked who may have approved destroying that evidence. Combs’ legal team said these questions made it seem like he used money or power to cover up a crime.
One of Combs’ attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro, argued that the prosecution was trying to make the jury think Combs gave the order to destroy the evidence. But Judge Arun Subramanian disagreed. He said the questions were not unfair to Combs and told the jury to ignore anything about the missing fingerprints.
Rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified that someone threw a Molotov cocktail at his Porsche, setting it on fire in early 2012. At the time, Cudi was dating singer Cassie Ventura. She had been in a long and troubled relationship with Combs. In earlier testimony, Cassie said Combs had threatened to blow up Cudi’s car after learning about her relationship with him.
Combs is facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and taking people across state lines for prostitution. Prosecutors claim the car fire is part of a larger pattern of threats and criminal acts. Combs has pleaded not guilty. The trial is still ongoing, and more witnesses are expected to testify.
