Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has filed an evidentiary hearing today, claiming the government is engaged in a smear campaign aimed at undermining his right to a fair trial. The memorandum, reviewed by Variety, details allegations of collusion between the government and media that have reportedly compromised Combs’ legal proceedings.
In the document, Combs’ counsel outlines various attempts they assert have been made to impair his right to a fair trial. They are seeking several remedies, including the potential disqualification of witnesses or even the dismissal of all charges against him.
The memorandum outlines four specific tactics of alleged government misconduct. Among the most concerning is the leak of a video to CNN that allegedly shows Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. Combs’ attorneys argue that neither Ventura nor any third parties were credible sources for the leak, noting that Ventura would have provided more detail in her sexual assault lawsuit had she been involved, and a third party would likely have attempted to sell the footage. Therefore, they posit that the government is the most likely source of the leak, particularly given the timing of its release.
According to the legal filing, federal agents were likely aware of a scheduled break in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, coinciding with Barron Trump’s graduation on May 17. Combs’ lawyers assert that this timing was advantageous, as it was a relatively slow news day. After CNN aired the video, the government allegedly took no further action, prompting Combs’ counsel to request an evidentiary hearing to ascertain whether an agent had leaked the tape to CNN.
The defense also contends that searches conducted at Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Florida in March were deliberately timed for maximum media visibility. They claim media personnel were present at the beginning of the Los Angeles search, even before crime scene tape was placed, suggesting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had alerted the press in advance. Furthermore, Combs’ lawyers argue that government officials used excessive force during the raids, specifically targeting his children and escorting them to a visible area on the property for media coverage.
The memorandum cites numerous leaks over the past seven months, including anonymous statements from the DHS to the press, as evidence of a systematic effort to damage Combs’ reputation before trial. As part of their request, the legal team is calling for an investigation into these allegations, as well as the disclosure of pertinent discovery materials. They are also asking for a prohibition against further leaks by government officials and other remedies, including potential disqualification of witnesses, suppression of evidence, including the 2016 video, or complete dismissal of charges against Combs.
These developments come as Combs faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Yesterday, his legal team submitted a third appeal for his release from jail pending trial. Additionally, they have requested that the trial be scheduled for April or May 2025. Combs currently remains in federal custody, and he is slated to appear before a new judge for a status conference in the case tomorrow.
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