Can a SMILE Save a Billionaire?

Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of sex trafficking and racketeering, but inside the courtroom, his behavior suggests he’s staging a one-man show aimed at swaying the jury.

At a Glance

• Diddy has made repeated eye contact, smiled, and nodded at jurors, prompting a judicial warning
• Critics argue his neutral wardrobe is designed to appear non-threatening and relatable
• The judge ordered him to stop jury-facing gestures, citing courtroom decorum
• Combs has reportedly complained about his depiction in court sketches
• Prosecutors accuse him of manipulating perception to deflect from serious criminal charges

Playing the Jury

Sean “Diddy” Combs isn’t just fighting federal sex trafficking charges—he’s also performing a calculated act for the jury. Inside the Lower Manhattan courtroom, Combs has made eye contact, smiled, and nodded at jurors, drawing a stern rebuke from Judge Arun Subramanian. Legal experts warn that such behavior risks alienating the bench and may appear manipulative.

“That can get him in trouble,” said a veteran defense attorney. “No lawyer would tell him to do that.” Despite facing life in prison, Combs seems to be betting that charisma and familiarity might earn him leniency—or at least doubt.

Watch a report: Sean Combs’ Behavior Raises Eyebrows in Court.

Dressing Down to Dress the Part

Combs’ appearance also appears curated for courtroom optics. He’s been arriving in plain crewneck sweaters, slacks, and slip-on shoes—far from the flashy fashion mogul persona he cultivated with Sean John. Prosecutors and courtroom analysts say the muted look is a deliberate strategy to disarm jurors, making him appear humble, compliant, and relatable.

“Every move is thought out,” said one observer. “You put him in a blue sweater, and it’s like you’re trying to dupe the jury into believing he’s something he’s not.” Diddy’s legal team denies any intent, citing court-imposed clothing guidelines. Still, the visual message is hard to ignore—and possibly effective.

Adding to the theatrics, Combs has taken issue with courtroom sketches, reportedly complaining to artist Jane Rosenberg that she made him look like a “koala.” With cameras banned in federal court, sketches are the only visual record—and Combs appears highly invested in how he’s portrayed.

Image vs. Allegation

These optics clashes stand in sharp contrast to the gravity of the charges. Prosecutors allege that Combs trafficked multiple women over two decades, using his empire as cover for a criminal enterprise. One of the key expected witnesses is Cassie Ventura, who previously settled a civil suit against him and may testify about alleged physical abuse. Video evidence of Combs allegedly attacking Ventura could be presented.

While Combs fights to preserve his image in the courtroom, the case outside the jury’s gaze grows darker. Multiple civil suits mirror the federal case, amplifying the stakes for a man once worth nearly a billion dollars. In the end, the jury may have to decide whether they’re seeing through a defendant—or watching a performance.