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Sean “Diddy” Combs recruits Georgia attorney Brian Steel, who gained fame after defending Young Thug. Earlier, news broke that the disgraced rapper, who faces federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, is looking to replace his legal team ahead of his upcoming trial. Sources claimed the business mogul sought a female lawyer to take on the role, joining lead counsels Mark Agnifilo and Teny Geragos. Veteran criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos reportedly has a spot on Diddy’s legal team as well. However, no solid confirmation of the reported individuals joining the dream team ahead of the May 5 jury selection and eventual trial has been made.
Ahead of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ fate-defining month, the rapper and his existing team have been working round the clock to find him only the best professionals in the business, and secure his release. The latest update on Diddy suggests the icon was looking to add Brian Steel, the high-profile attorney who defended Young Thug, legal name Jeffery Williams, in the infamous YSL RICO trial.
Young Thug’s Attorney Brian Steel Moves to Join Diddy’s Legal Team
Newly filed legal documents obtained by TMZ confirm that attorney Brian Steel has requested to be admitted to practice law in the Southern District of New York, where Diddy’s trial would take place. The move would potentially enable him to defend the alleged sex trafficker in court. While this may be a game-changer for Diddy’s case with Steel’s impressive track record, many are enraged at the prospect of anyone voluntarily turning up to defend the accused sex offender, especially in light of the many evidence unearthed since the investigation into his illegal activities commenced last year. Reacting to Steel’s involvement, one Reddit user wrote,
“On an emotional level, Iโm disgusted that anyone would sign up to defend Diddy, but outside my emotions, this is necessary. State has to prove their case, and defense attorneys donโt always defend likeable people. His work is necessary even if I want Diddy to bite the curb.”
Another wrote,
“Do people think that most criminal defense lawyers only defend ‘good’ people? People who have done horrible things deserve proper representation in court, too.”
Another user fired,
“Iโm sorry, I get this is ur job and shi, but hell no, you must have a spine. This is not ok wtf Steele, wtf.”
A fourth added,
“The way Thug got off was a perfect storm of incompetence by the defense. It was an absolute circus of epic proportions. Diddy would need an absolute miracle.”
Meanwhile, many steered the rage away from Brian Steel, reminding enraged netizens that the infamous defense attorney was simply doing his job, and that Diddy remained innocent until proven guilty.
What’s the Whole Buzz About Steel Anyway?
Steel’s inclusion in Diddy’s legal team comes at a crucial point as the rapper prepares to stand trial next month, after repeated bail denials. While the jury selection date remains May 5, the lead counsels, Agnifilo and Geragos, requested that the court move the opening statements to a further date, giving them at least two weeks from jury selection. This may give them ample time to restrategize as a four-man team, and perhaps, gain some tenets from the Georgia defense attorney who pulled a stunner in Young Thug’s case.
Thug’s trial commenced in January 2023. The high-profile case had many twists and turns, from issues with witness testimony to questionable use of his song lyrics against him in court. Guided by his attorney, the rapper eventually entered a guilty plea on multiple charges, including drug and gun-related crimes, as well as his participation in a criminal street gang, using his record label, YSL, as a front.
He was released from custody on the same day he pleaded guilty, despite the prosecutor’s demand for sentencing of up to 45 years, with 25 served in prison, and 20 on probation. The Fulton County Judge instead pegged his sentence at 40 years, including the first five served behind bars, but commuted to the time he had already served. This dramatic resolution marked an end to what has become the longest-running criminal trial in Georgia, which is perhaps the “miracle” Diddy so dearly needs.
