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A federal judge overseeing Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking case reprimanded attorney Mark Geragos on Tuesday for making public comments about the prosecution team that the court deemed inappropriate.
During a closed-door discussion, US District Judge Arun Subramanian criticized Geragos for describing the all-female prosecution team as “a six-pack of white women” on a podcast he co-hosts with TMZ founder Harvey Levin.
“This is ridiculous,” Judge Subramanian said, according to a transcript of the exchange. “I think referring to the prosecution in this case as a six-pack of white women is outrageous.”
Geragos, who is not officially part of Combs’ defense team but represents Combs’ mother, Janice, defended his remarks by suggesting they reflected how his client viewed the situation. “I think when you’ve got a black man who’s being prosecuted and the client feels like he’s being targeted, it’s a — it’s an observation,” Geragos said.
Prosecutors asked the court to address the matter, arguing that public comments like Geragos’ could influence the jury pool. The defense team, which includes Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos—Mark Geragos’ daughter—has agreed not to argue in court that Combs is being selectively prosecuted based on race or to cite examples of other public figures who allegedly hired sex workers without being charged.
Although Mark Geragos is not listed as counsel in the case, he has been present in the courtroom during the first two days of jury selection, sitting in an area reserved for Combs’ family and associates, according to the New York Post.
Judge Subramanian concluded the exchange with a warning. “I’m going to be watching and I’m going to be listening. All right? You have one more listener for your podcast,” he said.
Geragos replied, “As long as you subscribe, I’m all for it.”
Combs, 55, is charged with sex trafficking and racketeering and faces a possible life sentence if convicted. Jury selection is scheduled to continue on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court.
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