Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team has filed a formal request to a federal judge, demanding that he be granted unrestricted access to a laptop to prepare his defense against charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The high-profile case continues to gain attention as Combs' lawyers argue that current restrictions on his access to the laptop and other alleged impediments are hampering his ability to adequately prepare for his upcoming trial.
The motion, addressed to District Judge Arun Subramanian on Wednesday, outlined grievances regarding the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, where Combs is currently detained. His lawyers claim that while a government-prepared laptop was provided to him on November 25, it has since been withheld, despite multiple requests. The defense contends that Combs requires the laptop to review discovery materials, take notes, and otherwise assist in his defense.
The legal team stated, "In the nine days since then, Mr. Combs has still not been provided with the laptop despite numerous inquiries by defense counsel." They further allege that restrictions imposed by MDC officials require Combs to use the laptop only during limited hours in specific locations, such as the video conference room or the legal visiting room, a condition they called "untenable."
According to Combs' attorneys, these constraints are not only inconsistent with the treatment of other inmates but also force the music mogul to choose between meeting with his lawyers and accessing the laptop. The filing claimed there is "no justification" for these restrictions. The defense also raised concerns about MDC staff allegedly sharing information about Combs' attorney visits, including the names of potential experts and investigators, with the prosecution. "There is no conceivable reason why the government should know who and when Mr. Combs meets with in connection with his legal defense," the lawyers stated.
The government has not commented on these allegations.
Combs, 55, was charged in September with operating a criminal enterprise that allegedly coerced individuals into sexual acts. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Judge Subramanian has denied Combs' bail requests multiple times, citing the severity of the charges and concerns for community safety. The most recent denial, on November 27, referenced allegations of witness tampering, with evidence suggesting that Combs initiated contact with a witness subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury.
Despite these setbacks, Combs has bolstered his defense team with high-profile attorneys, including Alexandra Shapiro, a leading appellate lawyer, and Anthony Ricco, who has experience in high-stakes criminal cases. Meanwhile, the government has added Maurene Ryan Comey, known for her role in the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, to its prosecution team.
The trial, currently scheduled for May 2025, is expected to draw significant attention. In addition to the criminal case, Combs faces nearly 30 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee, representing over 120 alleged victims, has characterized the scope of the allegations as unprecedented.
Combs' legal team is not only challenging the restrictions on his access to resources but also raising broader questions about fairness and due process. They argue that the current conditions hinder their ability to mount a robust defense. The letter to the court requested immediate intervention to allow Combs unrestricted access to the laptop and an end to the alleged sharing of attorney-client visitation details.
