Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team has filed a new motion alleging that prosecutors are conducting surveillance on him while he remains in federal custody in Brooklyn.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Combs' attorneys claim the government is "using Mr. Combs' detention to spy on him and invade his confidential communications with his counsel." The 55-year-old rapper and producer is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center following his September indictment on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The defense team's accusations stem from a recent search of Combs' jail cell, during which they allege a federal investigator photographed his private handwritten notes and shared them with prosecutors. While prosecutors maintain the search was part of a pre-planned facility sweep, Combs' lawyers argue it was a targeted violation of attorney-client privilege.
"This disturbing conduct is a blatant violation of Mr. Combs' rights," his attorneys stated in the filing. They further claim the government "knowingly, intentionally and secretly" obtained and used these notes against the Bad Boy Records founder.
The legal team expressed concerns about Combs' ability to prepare for his upcoming trial, stating he "cannot possibly receive a fair trial" if unable to communicate privately with his counsel and maintain confidential trial preparation notes.
While Judge Arun Subramanian previously ruled that evidence from the jail sweep would not be considered at a November bail hearing, Combs was still denied bail for the third time due to what the judge called a "serious risk of witness tampering."
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is expected to remain in custody until his trial, scheduled for May 2025.