Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has raised an objection to the “untenable” laptop restrictions he faces in jail.
The 55-year-old rapper is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering and after he had a request for bail denied three times, the Bad Boy Records founder’s legal team have now written to a federal judge to complain he isn’t allowed access to a computer in his cell. The Metropolitan Detention Center, which houses over 1,500 inmates, has faced previous criticism over its technology access policies.
The letter, which was written by lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos and obtained by RadarOnline.com, read: “We write on behalf of Mr. Combs to request that the Court direct the MDC to provide Mr. Combs with the laptop prepared for him by the government, and allow him to use that laptop on his unit, consistent with the way other inmates on his unit are permitted to use their laptops.”
“Two months after he was charged and detained, on November 25, 2024, the government provided the MDC with a laptop that Mr. Combs can use to review discovery, take notes related to his case, and otherwise assist in his defense. In the nine days since then, Mr. Combs has still not been provided with the laptop despite numerous inquiries by defense counsel.” Legal experts note that access to discovery materials is crucial for mounting an effective defense.
The lawyers went on to argue there is “no justification” for the restrictions, which are interfering with their ability to thoroughly prepare the ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ hitmaker for his trial and restricts their communications. Similar cases have shown that limited access to legal materials can significantly impact case preparation.
“These restrictions are untenable and from what we understand, not required of any other inmate on Mr. Combs’ unit,” they continued. “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 facility’s video conferencing system has been crucial during the post-pandemic era.
Combs’ team have previously accused the government of trying to monitor his handwritten notes. Such allegations of privacy violations in detention facilities have become increasingly common in high-profile cases.
Lawyers alleged prosecutors had obtained attorney-client privileged material from the disgraced hip-hop mogul’s cell, which outlines defense witnesses and potential strategies, after they were seized by investigators, which they alleged breached their client’s Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights. Constitutional experts emphasize the importance of protecting attorney-client privilege in criminal cases.
Diddy is set to go to trial in May 2025. He has denied charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The trial is expected to last several weeks and draw significant media attention.
The case has brought renewed attention to conditions in federal detention facilities, where access to technology for legal preparation remains a contentious issue. Statistics show that inmates with adequate access to legal resources have better outcomes in their cases.
Legal experts following the case note that the restriction of technological resources could potentially become a significant appellate issue if Combs is convicted. Recent precedents have established that inadequate access to discovery materials can be grounds for appeal.
The situation also highlights the broader challenges faced by the criminal justice system in balancing security concerns with defendants’ rights to prepare their defense. Studies indicate that proper access to legal materials can reduce trial delays and improve judicial efficiency.
