Diddy was called out by his former publicist this week. Rob Shuter publicly reflected on his time working with the mogul amid ongoing allegations of rape, sex trafficking and abuse.

Shuter, who represented Diddy in the early 2000s, penned a personal essay for The Hollywood Reporter, grappling with the moral weight of his past proximity to the embattled music executive.

“With Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs facing a cascade of allegations—including rape, sexual assault, sex trafficking and physical abuse—all of which he has denied, I’m left with a question I can no longer avoid: What’s more damning? Not knowing? Or not wanting to know?” he wrote.

The former PR strategist, now the host of the “Naughty But Nice” podcast, admitted that he never witnessed any of the alleged misconduct but questioned whether his ambition had blinded him to the warning signs.

“When I say I didn’t see the alleged behavior, I mean it,” Shuter said. “But I also understand the ways I may have refused to. That refusal didn’t come from malice. It came from ambition. From awe. From the seductive hum of being needed by someone the world adored. It’s astonishing what we’ll fail to see when fame is in the room.”

Shuter described his role during that time as being laser-focused on building Combs’s public image, launching brands and securing magazine covers.

But in hindsight, he said, “What I was actually doing was managing a mirage. And like so many others in the entertainment ecosystem—agents, producers, stylists, executives, managers—I learned to look away.”

Shuter concluded his piece with the hope that the legal process reveals the whole truth. Diddy has denied all allegations against him, which include multiple lawsuits and a federal investigation.

Diddy is currently on trial for one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.

He has denied all allegations.

Judge Arun Subramanian laid out strict instructions for how prosecutors and defense attorneys must prepare for jury deliberations in Diddy’s federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial.

The judge directed both legal teams to finalize all admitted evidence—both digital and physical—and ensure it was properly organized and accessible to the jurors.

Prosecutors are expected to rest their case by Monday (June 23), with the defense planning to present its side over the following five days before closing arguments begin.

Subramanian ordered the government to provide a laptop containing only electronic exhibits that have been officially admitted into evidence.

That laptop must be shared with the defense by Monday (June 23), and both sides must confirm on the record that it includes nothing beyond what has been accepted into the trial. Additional digital exhibits may be added until the close of evidence.

For physical items, the government must compile and label all admitted materials and share the list with the defense. Jurors will be allowed to review noncontraband items in the jury room upon request.

Any contraband, such as illegal substances or weapons, will remain in the courtroom for supervised viewing.

The judge also instructed both sides to collaborate on a complete exhibit list, including descriptions of each item, to assist the jury during deliberations.

In anticipation of possible transcript requests from the jury, Subramanian told attorneys to begin reviewing and redacting witness testimony. The priority is on witnesses most likely to be referenced by jurors.

If the jury requests transcript portions that haven’t been reviewed, both sides must act promptly to agree on any necessary redactions.

The trial, which began in late May, entered its 26th on Wednesday (June 18).

Diddy faces five federal charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. He has denied all allegations.

A verdict is expected before Thursday (July 4).

Diddy faced a delay in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking case Wednesday (June 18) after a juror reported being too ill to attend court due to vertigo, a condition that causes dizziness and balance issues.

The absence forced Judge Arun Subramanian to cancel the entire day’s proceedings in the high-profile trial.

The announcement came early Wednesday morning when Judge Subramanian informed the courtroom that one of the 12 seated jurors was experiencing vertigo and needed to remain home.

Without that juror, the court could not proceed with testimony.

Judge Subramanian instructed the remaining jurors to return Friday (June 21) at 8:30 a.m. for a shortened session, which will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The early dismissal is to accommodate another juror attending their child’s graduation. There will be no court on Wednesday (June 19) in observance of Juneteenth, which is a federal holiday.

When the court resumes Friday, prosecutors are expected to call several key witnesses, including DeLeassa Penland, a federal agent who has already testified in the case.

Also scheduled to appear is Brendan Paul, Diddy’s former assistant, who prosecutors allege helped transport narcotics.

The trial centers on five serious federal charges against Diddy: racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.

Diddy has denied all allegations.