Sean “Diddy” Combs was in court in New York on Tuesday after his lawyer accused prosecutors of illegally seizing items from his jail cell to try and keep him behind bars before a sex-trafficking trial in May.
AP photo
Unshackled and dressed in a tan convict jumpsuit, Combs, 55, embraced his legal team in court Tuesday ahead of a 3 p.m. hearing, according to Law & Crime.
No cameras are allowed in the courtroom in this case.
The hearing is related to what his attorney Marc Agnifilo claims was an illegal search and seizure of items from his jail cell.
“This is something that needs to be done, respectfully, needs to be dealt with quickly,” Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said Monday in a court filing to Judge Arun Subramanian.
Agnifilo requested a “direct hearing” so prosecutors can explain who authorized the search of Combs’ cell, where personal effects and documents were seized.
Combs is being held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial after being arrested on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
AP photo
Monday’s letter to the judge said prosecutors admitted they had “materials that could be viewed, such as notes, recovered from the defendant’s cell” during bail arguments last week.
“These notes reflect actual conversations with his attorney regarding aspects of trial preparation and efforts to secure bail. The notes refer to defense counsel by name, include discussions of experts and defense witnesses, discuss cross-examination and witness credibility, and overall defense strategy.”
“Mr. Combs’ handwritten notes covering his legal strategy are now in the hands of prosecutors, who hope to take advantage of the breach to prepare for the May 2025 trial, bring new charges, and argue for Mr. Combs’ arrest.”
Agnifilo also asked the judge that the disgraced mogul be released from court on Tuesday, as well as all future hearings.
Agnifilo said having Combs in handcuffs raises “overriding concerns” that “jury bias” could be created.
Getty Images / Shareif Ziyadat
“Given the press attention to the pretrial proceedings in this case, there is a great risk that potential jurors will learn about the shackles through the media and develop these biases,” he wrote.
Combs was not handcuffed in court on Tuesday.
Newsweek has contacted Agnifilo for comment.
Combs has been denied bail on two separate occasions. He has another hearing scheduled for Friday for his third attempt at bail.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
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