Judge Arun Subramanian is set to play a pivotal role in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, which is set to officially kick off with opening arguments on Monday. While his appointment to the bench is garnering significant attention, those who have worked with him previously know that Judge Subramanian brings more than just legal expertise to the courtroom—he brings genuine care for those around him.
Before stepping into the role of a federal judge, Subramanian was a civil attorney with a reputation for going above and beyond for his clients. One example of this is a case involving Mary and Joel Rich, a couple he represented in a defamation lawsuit against Fox News. The network had falsely accused their son of leaking thousands of Democratic party emails to Wikileaks back in 2016. After the case was settled, the Rich family wanted to show their appreciation to Subramanian and his legal team.
According to Mary and Joel, the couple invited the entire legal team out for a dinner in New York City to thank them for their hard work. Subramanian’s response was characteristic of the man he is—he agreed to the dinner with one condition: he would be covering the entire bill.
Despite the Rich family’s efforts to refuse, Subramanian stood firm in his generous gesture. The dinner took place at an upscale Italian restaurant, with a group of 10-12 people, and though the Richs never learned the final tab, they assumed it was significant. For Mary and Joel, the experience underscored just how respectable, honorable, and gracious Subramanian truly is.
Mary Rich shared her admiration for Subramanian, saying he treated them like family throughout the legal process. She even expressed a desire to meet him again soon for the chance to give him a big hug in person.
Meanwhile, Subramanian’s journey to becoming a judge is equally compelling. Born in Pittsburgh to immigrant parents, he has always emphasized the importance of family and community. In fact, during his Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing in December 2022, he made sure to mention his entire family, underlining how much they have shaped his values and approach to his work.
Despite the gravity of the Diddy trial, which is expected to be one of the most high-profile legal battles of the year, Subramanian has remained remarkably down-to-earth. Sources report seeing him commuting to the courthouse with his headphones on, showing no signs of his federal judge status. His easygoing demeanor and sense of humor have been noted in the courtroom, with potential jurors remarking on his ability to put them at ease throughout jury selection.
In addition to his role as a judge, Subramanian has also made it clear that he’s no stranger to karaoke, even joking about buying his own judicial robes online. He is well-regarded by his colleagues, and his balance of professionalism and approachability has made him a respected figure in the legal world.
Now, with the stakes higher than ever, Judge Subramanian is overseeing what could very well be the trial of his career. Diddy is facing five serious charges, including sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. The legal world will be closely watching how Judge Subramanian manages the intricacies of this complex case, as he is tasked with making crucial decisions about what evidence will be allowed in court.
The role of a judge is often a balancing act between enforcing the law and considering the broader implications of the case, and Subramanian’s experience suggests he is more than capable of handling this high-profile case with the fairness and integrity that has defined his career thus far. As Diddy’s trial unfolds, many will be looking to Subramanian not just for legal guidance, but for a clear example of how professionalism and human decency can coexist in the most challenging legal circumstances.
As the trial commences, it’s clear that Judge Arun Subramanian is more than just a figurehead in the courtroom—he is a man who deeply believes in doing right by his clients and making decisions that reflect his core values of integrity, fairness, and empathy.