Sean “Diddy” Combs is preparing to attend a court hearing on November 19 as part of his ongoing case involving racketeering and trafficking charges. Ahead of the hearing, Combs’ legal team has filed a motion requesting that he be allowed to appear in court without shackles, both for this session and all future proceedings.
The request, filed by his attorney Marc Agnifilo, comes amidst concerns about the potential impact of shackling on the fairness of the trial. The motion was submitted on the eve of the hearing, as Combs’ trial date is set for May 2025.
In court documents obtained by People, Agnifilo stated, “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 motion highlights Combs’ last court appearance, during which he remained shackled without justification. Agnifilo argued that such treatment could create significant bias among potential jurors, particularly due to the media coverage surrounding 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 elaborated.
Additionally, the defense expressed concerns about the practical implications of shackling, stating that it interferes with Combs’ ability to communicate effectively with his legal team during proceedings. Agnifilo also emphasized that shackling goes against the principle of treating defendants with respect.
The court is expected to address the motion during the November 19 hearing. As the high-profile case moves forward, Combs’ legal team is pushing to ensure proceedings remain impartial and fair.
