Diddy’s lawyers seek gag order in case, citing ‘improper’ pretrial publicity and media influence

Diddy’s defense requests gag order on witnesses, citing prejudicial media coverage in his ongoing criminal case.

Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs are seeking a gag order in his ongoing criminal case, citing what they describe as a “deluge of improper pretrial publicity” that could harm his right to a fair trial. In a letter to the judge, defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos argue that statements from certain individuals are “undermining Mr. Combs' right to a fair trial and the integrity of the grand jury proceedings.” The defense requested a court order prohibiting potential witnesses and their attorneys from making public statements about the case.

The request follows recent grand jury testimony from a music producer who claims to have possessed a videotape allegedly showing Combs engaged in sexual assaults involving celebrities. The defense counters that this information is false, asserting in their letter that such claims are “sensational” and have created a public perception that the government is validating these accusations, which Combs’ attorneys say is “profoundly prejudicial.”

Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to a three-count federal indictment involving charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution, remains in custody. His legal team continues to deny all allegations, stating that he did not sexually assault any of his accusers.

Prosecutors oppose the gag order, arguing that civil plaintiffs involved in separate litigation against Combs fall outside the jurisdiction of the criminal court and thus should not be subject to the proposed restrictions. The defense, however, contends that civil litigants “seeking to capitalize on the criminal allegations” should not be free from these constraints. Combs' attorneys continue to assert that media coverage surrounding the case is affecting the integrity of the proceedings.