Judge Arun Subramanian is set to play a crucial role in the upcoming high-stakes trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, with opening arguments anticipated to begin on Monday. While he now serves as a federal judge, former clients recall Subramanian's empathetic and committed approach during his years as a civil litigator.
Mary and Joel Rich, whom Subramanian represented in their legal battle against Fox News, remember him as a man of strong moral principles and a modest demeanor. The couple sued the network over a widely discredited story that falsely linked their late son, Seth Rich, to the 2016 Democratic National Committee email leaks to WikiLeaks. Following the settlement of their lawsuit, the Riches invited their legal team to a celebratory dinner in New York City as a token of their appreciation. Subramanian agreed to attend but insisted on personally paying the entire bill. The Riches described the generous, upscale Italian meal as a clear demonstration of the judge’s inherent nature.
“He treated us like family,” Mary Rich stated, adding her hope for a future opportunity to express her gratitude with a hug. The couple praised his respectability, honor, and grace, emphasizing his consistent focus on their well-being throughout the legal proceedings.
Since the jury selection process began for the Diddy trial, Subramanian has been regularly seen entering the courthouse, often blending in with everyday commuters, headphones on, betraying no outward signs of the significant responsibility he carries. Known among colleagues for his unassuming nature and grounded personality, Subramanian also reportedly enjoys karaoke and even purchases his judicial attire online. His calm demeanor and approachable presence have reportedly helped to put potential jurors at ease during the intense initial phases of the trial process.
Born in Pittsburgh to parents who immigrated to the US, Subramanian has publicly spoken about the importance of family, highlighting each member during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing in 2022. His handling of the Diddy case, which involves serious allegations of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy, represents a landmark moment in his judicial career, already being described as one of the most closely watched trials of the year.
Attorney Arick Fudali, who is representing an anonymous government witness and two of Diddy's accusers, commented that Judge Subramanian's decisions regarding the admissibility of evidence will largely determine the shape of the trial. These rulings are expected to set the precedent for a case already under intense public scrutiny.
