Diddy cracked a joke about his courtroom appearance during a break in his federal sex trafficking trial in Manhattan, telling sketch artist Jane Rosenberg she made him look like a “koala bear.”
The disgraced mogul is concerned about his looks even as he faces charges that could put him behind bars for life.
Diddy’s offhand remark came Wednesday (June 4) in the middle of a high-stakes trial, where he’s accused of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Diddy appeared more focused on his courtroom image than the legal peril he faces.
According to Reuters, Rosenberg said Diddy approached her and said, “You made me look like a koala bear.” She replied, “You should be so lucky.”
The exchange happened just before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian reprimanded Diddy for nodding toward the jury during cross-examination.
The judge warned him not to influence the panel and threatened to eject him from the courtroom if it happened again.
Diddy faces five criminal counts, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could lead to a life sentence if convicted.
The case stems from a broader investigation into Diddy’s alleged conduct over several years.
Prosecutors have presented testimony from Cassie Ventura’s associate Bryana Bongolan, his former assistant “Mia,” hotel employees, sex workers and others, painting a picture of a pattern of abuse and coercion.
The trial resumed Friday (June 6) with further witness testimony.
Jane Doe testified that Diddy forced her into freak-offs that lasted for over three days, gave her drugs, and forced her to have unprotected sex with escorts.