Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday for a hearing regarding how prosecutors obtained his handwritten notes after a search of his jail cell.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, claims the notes contained information about defense witnesses and strategies, which should be protected by attorney-client privilege.
His legal team argues that the seizure of these notes violated his constitutional rights to a fair trial, protection against self-incrimination, and freedom from unreasonable searches.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan argue that the notes discussed Combs paying a potential witness, suggesting he was attempting to obstruct justice. They assert that the notes were photographed during a planned search at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on October 28, conducted by various federal agencies. Prosecutors believe the photographs could lead to additional charges against Combs and serve as evidence in his case.
Combs, 55, was arrested in September on charges accusing him of using his business, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for recorded performances called “Freak Offs.” He is set to go on trial on May 5 for three felony counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs’ legal team maintains that the sexual activity described in the charges was consensual.
In a separate matter, Combs is attempting to secure a $50 million bail, backed by his $48 million Florida mansion and co-signed by family members. He has been denied bail three times, with judges citing concerns over potential witness tampering.
