Diddy Scores Legal Win Ahead Of Third Bail Hearing
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the iconic music mogul, secured a small but significant victory in court on November 19, as a federal judge ruled in his favor regarding a controversial search of his jail cell. Judge Arun Subramanian stated that the notes seized during a Bureau of Prisons sweep would not be considered at Diddy’s upcoming bail hearing, calling it a win for his defense team.
The sweep, which prosecutors claim was unrelated to Diddys’ case and not directed at specific inmates, led to the seizure of 19 pages of notes. The rapper’s attorneys argued that the notes contained private, attorney-client communications, including strategies to discredit witnesses and other legal defenses.
“When we visit him in jail, we have lists,” said Marc Agnifilo, Diddy’s attorney.
Marc added, “Everything in these pads are things we discuss. Trial strategy, who we should speak to, to undermine a witness’ credibility. We discuss everything with Mr. Combs.”
In response, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued that most of the notes were personal, including birthdays and motivational quotes. However, the judge ordered that the prosecution destroy its copies of the seized documents.
Diddy appeared more at ease in court on Tuesday than in previous hearings. Dressed in a khaki jumpsuit, he walked into the room without shackles — a new allowance granted by Judge Subramanian after the defense argued that shackling him could prejudice potential jurors in a high-profile case like his.
The decision came after Diddy’s legal team filed a motion requesting that he appear unshackled for all court proceedings, citing the intense media scrutiny surrounding his case. The judge agreed, marking another procedural win for the Bad Boy Records founder.
Diddy has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. He faces multiple serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he orchestrated elaborate sex performances known as “freak offs,” during which women were coerced into participating with male sex workers.
Despite the Coming Home hitmaker’s legal team’s efforts, he has been denied bail twice, with judges expressing concerns about potential witness tampering. A third bail hearing is set for November 22.
Christy emphasized during Tuesday’s hearing that the “investigation is very much ongoing.” She also revealed that the seized notes were reviewed by a “Filter Team” before being passed to the prosecution, but the defense remains firm in their claim that the sweep violated Diddy’s rights.
