Sean "Diddy" Combs has secured a small legal victory in his ongoing battle against federal charges as a judge granted him access to a laptop for pre-trial preparation. The music mogul, currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, is set to face trial in May 2025 on charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.
The decision by Judge Arun Subramanian allows Combs to use the court-sanctioned laptop, which is pre-loaded with discovery materials but has no internet or note-taking capabilities. According to the court order, Combs will have access to the device daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Any additional requests for expanded use will require further discussion with the government and judicial approval.
This development comes after Combs' legal team raised serious concerns about his treatment while in custody. His lawyers have accused prosecutors of improperly invading his privacy during a recent cell search, alleging that handwritten notes protected under attorney-client privilege were photographed and shared with prosecutors. In a motion filed last week, Combs' defense team described this as "outrageous government conduct" and claimed it compromised his ability to prepare a fair defense.
"The evidence shows the government is using Mr. Combs' detention to spy on him and invade his confidential communications with his counsel," the defense argued. They further labeled the search as a pretext for targeting Combs, asserting that the actions violated his rights.
Judge Subramanian ruled that evidence obtained during the controversial search would not be used in any hearings related to Combs' bail. However, he denied Combs bail for the third time, citing concerns over potential witness tampering.
The allegations against Combs are extensive and severe. Federal prosecutors accuse him of orchestrating what they describe as "freak offs," where male sex workers allegedly performed sexual acts with coerced women. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment on multiple counts.
Combs' legal team has also raised concerns about unequal treatment at the MDC, pointing out that other inmates in his unit have broader access to similar laptops. In a letter to the court, his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, claimed the government and MDC delayed granting Combs access to the laptop despite its availability.
The judge's recent ruling partially addresses these complaints by combining two prior options: allowing Combs to use the laptop in his unit's video-teleconference room and in a legal visiting room during specified hours.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions. Critics of the decision argue that granting such privileges to a high-profile detainee sets a problematic precedent. "Booo that judge is trippin' he does not need his damn laptop," one social media user posted. Another questioned, "Why on earth give Diddy a laptop in jail?"
This legal battle is unfolding against the backdrop of broader scrutiny of the MDC. The facility has been the subject of federal investigations following several violent incidents, including two inmate deaths and another being attacked with a makeshift weapon. Despite these issues, MDC continues to house other high-profile inmates such as R. Kelly and Sam Bankman-Fried.
Adding to Combs' legal woes, three new lawsuits were filed against him last week in New York Supreme Court, with three anonymous men accusing him of sexual assault. These civil cases compound the criminal charges he already faces.
