Sean 'Diddy' Combs adds Young Thug's lawyer, Brian Steel to his trial team

Sean "Diddy" Combs has made a major move in his legal defense strategy, bringing on Brian Steel, the powerhouse attorney best known for representing rapper Young Thug during his ongoing YSL trial.

With jury selection for Combs’ racketeering case set to begin on May 5, the addition of Steel to the legal team could prove pivotal.

According to a court filing submitted Tuesday, Steel is requesting special permission to join the case as an out-of-state lawyer.

Known for his razor-sharp presence in court and firm-but-polished demeanor, Steel isn’t just any defense attorney—he’s a legal force who doesn’t back down from controversial moments or courtroom theatrics.

Steel made national headlines during the YSL case when he was arrested on-camera for refusing to reveal how he obtained information about a private conversation between the judge, prosecutors, and a witness.

The contempt charge was later dropped, and the judge involved was removed from the case entirely. That bold move solidified Steel’s reputation as a fierce and principled defender, one willing to risk personal consequence for the sake of legal ethics.

“Brian is a legend, especially after YSL,” said Douglas Weinstein, co-counsel in the YSL case. “His insights, tenacity and character will be a phenomenal addition to Mr. Combs’ team. I saw it in person during the YSL trial. I wish I could be a fly on the wall with whatever happens. He’s a legend in Georgia.”

Combs, 55, is currently facing a racketeering conspiracy charge, accused of leading a criminal enterprise that trafficked women and used violence, threats, and manipulation for his own “sexual gratification.”

He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at a federal detention center in Brooklyn following his arrest in September.

Though the charges against Combs differ significantly from the accusations in the YSL case, both involve complex criminal enterprise allegations and significant media scrutiny. Steel’s calm yet assertive courtroom approach could be key to managing the sensitive—and potentially explosive—details expected to surface during Combs' trial.

“I think his humanity coupled with his integrity is necessary in the Combs case,” Weinstein added. “He is a genuine person. If you spend any degree of time with him, you know it’s totally real.”

Interestingly, Brian Steel’s arrival quells earlier rumors that Combs was looking to add another heavyweight to his team—Los Angeles legal titan Mark Geragos, whose daughter Teny Geragos is already representing the Bad Boy Records founder.

Though Mark Geragos has been busy with the Menendez brothers’ resentencing case, sources told Rolling Stone he was recently spotted in New York, keeping speculation alive about whether he might still join Combs' defense team.

With Steel now onboard, Diddy’s legal lineup has gained a serious dose of credibility—and intensity. And with a case this high-profile, the courtroom is bound to become just as dramatic as the headlines.