Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Requests to Appear Unshackled in Court Amid Racketeering and Trafficking Charges

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is scheduled to appear in court on November 19 for a hearing related to racketeering and trafficking charges. Ahead of the proceedings, his attorney has filed a motion requesting that the music mogul be allowed to appear without shackles during this and all future court appearances.

The request, filed by Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo in a late-night motion obtained by People, highlights concerns about the impact of shackling on his client’s legal defense and public perception. “We write on behalf of our client, Mr. Sean Combs, to respectfully request that the Court direct the United States Marshals Service to unshackle Mr. Combs prior to bringing him into the courtroom for tomorrow’s hearing and for all future court appearances,” the court documents stated.

Agnifilo cited a previous court appearance where Combs was kept in leg shackles throughout the proceedings. He argued there was “no justification” for the restraints and raised concerns that their use could bias potential jurors due to the high-profile nature of the case.

“Given the press attention on the pretrial proceedings in this case, there is a substantial risk that potential jurors will learn about the shackling through the media and develop such a bias,” the motion read. Agnifilo also noted how the shackles could hinder his client’s ability to effectively communicate during the proceedings. He argued that such restraints interfere with “the accused’s ability to communicate with his lawyer” and violate the principle of “respectful treatment of defendants.”

The hearing on November 19 precedes Combs’ trial, which is set for May 2025. The charges against the music and business mogul have drawn widespread media attention, intensifying the debate over fair treatment in high-profile cases.

This legal battle represents a pivotal moment for Combs, whose influential career spans decades in the music and entertainment industry. While his legal team continues to prepare for trial, the court’s decision regarding the shackling request could set the tone for the proceedings ahead.

The motion underscores broader concerns about pretrial perceptions and defendants’ rights in the justice system, particularly for high-profile individuals like Combs. As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on how the court handles this sensitive request.