Following the partial acquittal of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs on major charges, an MSNBC panel sparked controversy by blaming the racial and gender makeup of the prosecution team. Legal analysts on Ana Cabrera Reports suggested that the presence of six white female prosecutors — referred to as “lawyer Barbies” — may have alienated jurors and contributed to the dismissal of the most serious charges.
MSNBC legal contributor Lisa Rubin remarked, “They are all white women, to a person—six of them. And they almost look like lawyer Barbies.” Rubin implied this dynamic failed to resonate with a jury that included at least seven people of color. Fellow panelist Charles Coleman echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of juror demographics, especially in New York.
The jury found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges — the most severe allegations he faced. Despite the mixed verdict, the judge denied bail, citing Combs’ history of violent behavior in personal relationships and affirming prior decisions to hold him in custody.
Outside the courthouse, fans of the rapper bizarrely celebrated the partial acquittal by spraying themselves with baby oil — a gesture that drew widespread criticism on social media and from court observers.
Rubin’s remarks have sparked backlash, with critics accusing MSNBC of injecting racial and gender identity politics into a legal discussion and undermining the professionalism of the prosecutors involved. The panel’s focus on the appearance and identity of the prosecution team rather than the legal strategy or evidence presented has raised questions about the network’s objectivity.
Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of more than five years, while Combs’ defense is requesting 21 months. Sentencing will take place later this year.
