Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, currently on trial facing charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, made an unusual courtroom request on Thursday, asking a sketch artist to depict him in a gentler manner.
Before jurors returned from a lunch break at Manhattan federal court, Combs turned to courtroom sketch artist Jane Rosenberg and said, “Soften me up a bit, you’re making me look like a koala bear,” according to Rosenberg.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts and could face life imprisonment if convicted on all charges. Throughout the four-week trial, he has appeared with sweaters, graying hair, and a goatee, projecting a calm demeanor despite the seriousness of the allegations.
Rosenberg, a veteran sketch artist, has previously received remarks from other high-profile defendants. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani once remarked she depicted him resembling his dog during a civil case related to election misinformation claims, while Donald Trump Jr. jokingly requested, “Make me look sexy,” during his family’s civil fraud trial.
Combs, known also as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, maintains a seemingly positive attitude, frequently gesturing affectionately toward family members attending the trial. However, his behavior in court prompted a stern warning from Judge Arun Subramanian on Thursday after Combs nodded towards jurors during his attorney’s cross-examination of a witness.
Judge Subramanian labeled Combs’ actions as “unacceptable” and warned him about possible removal from the courtroom if further interactions with jurors occurred.
The trial continues as prosecutors and defense attorneys present further evidence and testimony.
