Sean “Diddy” Combs will appear in court on Tuesday for a hearing regarding prosecutors’ acquisition of his handwritten notes, which authorities obtained during a search of his jail cell. Combs, who is awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, claims the notes include details about defense witnesses and strategies, protected under attorney-client privilege.
In a Monday court filing, Combs’ lawyers argued that seizing these notes violated his constitutional rights, including protections against self-incrimination, unreasonable searches, and his right to a fair trial.
Prosecutors countered by stating that the notes reveal Combs’ attempt to pay a potential witness, which they interpret as an effort to obstruct justice. They explained that an investigator photographed the notes during a pre-planned, wide-scale search conducted on October 28 by multiple federal agencies at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Prosecutors argued that these photographs could serve as evidence and potentially lead to additional charges against Combs.
Combs is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan at 3 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT).
The rapper and producer, 55, was arrested in September on charges accusing him of using his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to facilitate transporting women and male sex workers across state lines for recorded performances known as “Freak Offs.”
Combs faces three felony counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His trial is set to begin on May 5. His lawyers maintain that all sexual activities described in the indictment were consensual.
Separately, Combs is fighting for release on $50 million bail, backed by his $48 million Florida mansion and co-signed by family members. Judges have denied bail three times, citing concerns that he might attempt to tamper with witnesses.
