Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team has filed a motion seeking a mistrial in his ongoing federal trial, citing alleged prosecutorial misconduct and the use of perjured testimony. The defense, represented by attorney Nicole Westmoreland, argues that the prosecution knowingly presented false testimony from Cassie Ventura’s friend, Bryana ‘Bana’ Bongolan, who claimed Combs dangled her off a 17th-floor balcony in September 2016. The team asserts that this false testimony not only undermines the integrity of the trial but also violates the due process clause. The motion was filed on June 7, and it is part of a broader challenge to the prosecution’s narrative, which includes claims of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy against Combs.
The defense’s motion highlights that the prosecution’s presentation of perjured testimony could significantly affect the jury’s judgment. Westmoreland’s questions to Bana revealed inconsistencies in her recollection, particularly regarding whether Diddy and Cassie were present at specific locations on the night of the alleged incident. This inconsistency has raised doubts about the reliability of the testimony submitted by the prosecution. Additionally, the defense claims that the perjured testimony was used to build a false narrative about Combs, which the team argues is a clear case of prosecutorial misconduct.
Bana took the stand to provide testimony against Combs, confirming her involvement in the Bad Boy Reunion tour, which coincided with the alleged incident. However, her testimony was met with skepticism, especially when she could not confirm specific details about the events of September 2016. The defense’s strategy has been to challenge the credibility of the testimony, arguing that it is based on faulty memory and possibly influenced by drug use at the time.
The motion for a mistrial is part of a larger effort to overturn the charges against Combs, who faces serious accusations including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. These charges could result in a minimum of 15 years in prison or even life imprisonment if found guilty. Combs has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the trial, with witnesses testifying to alleged rape, sexual assault, and other severe offenses. The trial is expected to conclude by July 4, and the court’s decision on the mistrial motion will be a significant development in the case.