Menendez Brothers Lawyer Mark Gergaros Gets His Moment in Diddy’s Trial
Photo: Ronald L. Soble/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Mark Geragos was a cheerful and familiar face for some at Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Manhattan federal court sex-trafficking trial on Wednesday morning. The celebrity lawyer, who has represented the Menendez brothers since 2023, is not officially listed as an attorney of Diddy’s, but his daughter, Teny, is one of the rapper’s defense attorneys. His presence prompted some legal drama — the judge recently slammed him for calling the prosecution team a “six-pack of white women” during his TMZ podcast, 2 Angry Men.
It all unfolded on Tuesday, day two of jury selection, in Judge Arun Subramanian’s robing room, but came to light afterward publicly through court transcripts. Prosecutors had asked Subramanian to remind Geragos about district rules barring public statements that could prevent a fair trial. Geragos pushed back, insisting that the rule was about a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
“Let’s just have some real talk,” Subramanian said. “Look, you understand that we’re in the process of picking a jury?” “I do,” Geragos responded.
“When you say things on a podcast like ‘six women, all white,’ my understanding is ‘you’ve got a six-pack of white women,’” Subramanian said. “No one should be saying that as an officer of the court and a member of the bar.” Geragos pushed back, framing his commentary through a sort of racial-justice lens.
“I think when you’ve got a Black man who’s being prosecuted and the client feels like he’s being targeted, it’s an observation,” Geragos said. “I’ve also said things — said other things that I suppose could be brought up.” Geragos pointed out that he hasn’t “attacked” lawyers representing accusers. Subramanian did not take kindly to this explanation. “I think this is ridiculous. I think referring to the prosecution in this case as a six-pack of white women is outrageous,” the jurist said. “And I understand what you’re saying about the cases and everything else, but I think this is outrageous and this would not be tolerated in any court from any lawyer anywhere across the nation.”
“And I’m going to be watching, and I’m going to be listening. All right?” Subramanian said, warning, “You have one more listener for your podcast.”
“As long as you subscribe, I’m all for it,” Geragos replied.
On Wednesday morning, before jury selection resumed, Vulture checked in on the situation. “How’s the podcast?” we asked. Geragos laughed. “We’re on-camera,” he said, gesturing as if to point out surveillance cameras around the courtroom so he couldn’t really say. Guess everyone will find out in the next episode, including Subramanian.
