Sean “Diddy” Combs has accused prosecutors in his ongoing racketeering and sex trafficking case of unlawfully surveilling his communications and hindering his access to critical legal resources, including a government-issued laptop. Detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn since his September arrest, the music mogul claims these actions violate his constitutional rights.
In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, Diddy’s legal team alleged that prosecutors have monitored and recorded his handwritten legal notes, compromising his right to confidentially prepare his defense. They also accused the MDC of improperly sharing attorney visitation forms with prosecutors.
These forms, which document meetings related to Diddy’s legal defense, are considered privileged information. His attorneys argue that such surveillance undermines due process and impairs his ability to mount an effective defense.
“Even if not privileged, this level of surveillance offends due process and hampers his ability to prepare,” said Marc Agnifilo, one of Diddy’s attorneys. They have requested that MDC immediately cease sharing visitation records with prosecutors.
Adding to the legal wrangling, Diddy’s team has criticized MDC officials for failing to deliver a laptop provided by prosecutors to review discovery materials. The laptop was handed to MDC on November 25, but as of now, Diddy has not received it. His lawyers argue that the restrictions placed on his potential use of the device—such as limited access to a video-teleconference room or the legal visiting area—make it nearly impossible for him to participate meaningfully in his defense.
“These restrictions are untenable and significantly limit the time available for Mr. Combs to use the laptop,” Agnifilo wrote, noting that Diddy is often forced to choose between meeting with his attorneys or accessing the laptop.
Diddy’s challenges extend beyond legal resources. On November 27, Judge Subramanian denied his fourth motion for release, citing concerns over public safety. Prosecutors pointed to an eight-year-old video allegedly showing Diddy assaulting Cassie Ventura as evidence supporting the sex trafficking charges. His lawyers, however, disputed the video’s authenticity, claiming it had been altered.
Further allegations involve Diddy’s reported misuse of other inmates’ phone privileges and unauthorized messaging, as well as claims that he enlisted his children to promote a social media campaign tied to his recent birthday. While his legal team cited MDC’s harsh conditions as justification for these actions, the judge ultimately sided with prosecutors, keeping Diddy in custody as he prepares for his May 5, 2025, trial.
Prosecutors have yet to formally respond to the latest allegations from Diddy’s defense team.
Leave a Reply