Diddy demands laptop access in jail to prepare defense for high-stakes trial

Diddy requests laptop access in jail to review evidence and take legal notes as his trial approaches.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is requesting access to a laptop while incarcerated as he faces the possibility of a life sentence. His attorneys argue that the government had arranged for a laptop at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn to assist him in reviewing evidence and taking notes for his defense.

However, despite the approval being given nine days earlier, Diddy has yet to receive access to the device, according to a letter from his legal team addressed to federal judge Arun Subramanian, which was obtained by Us Weekly.

The letter stated that on December 4, the government finally agreed to allow Diddy access to the laptop, but with significant restrictions: he could either use it in the video-teleconference room with other legal staff present or in the legal visiting room from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but not both.

“These restrictions are untenable and from what we understand, not required of any other inmate on Mr. Combs’ unit,” the letter stated. “They significantly limit the time available for Mr. Combs to use the laptop and force Mr. Combs to choose between using the laptop and meeting with his attorneys (who often meet with Mr. Combs over video-teleconference).”

The attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, expressed that there was "no justification" for such limitations.

“To be clear, the discovery provided on Mr. Combs laptop does not contain any evidence designated as ‘attorneys’ possession only’ and therefore does not contain anything that could potentially risk the safety or privacy of alleged victims or witnesses,” they wrote.

“Moreover, given the government’s efforts to surreptitiously monitor and record his handwritten legal notes, Mr. Combs’ need for a laptop to take legal notes free from government surveillance is heightened,” they said.

The letter concluded by asserting that the laptop was necessary for Diddy’s legal defense, and that the request was no different from the rights other inmates are afforded.

“There is no conceivable reason why the government should know who and when Mr. Combs meets with in connection with his legal defense,” the letter read.

Diddy has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, which were brought against him in September. He maintains his innocence and has been denied bail on four occasions. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.