Diddy is trying to add criminal defense lawyer Brian Steel to his legal team ahead of his upcoming trial for sex trafficking and related charges.
Steel is the same attorney who recently helped Young Thug in the YSL RICO case, where the rapper secured a plea deal and walked free.
Steel filed a motion on Tuesday, April 15, asking the court for permission to represent Diddy. The music mogul is facing several charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting people for prostitution.
His trial is scheduled to begin soon, with jury selection on May 5 and opening statements on May 12.
Diddy is currently represented by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos. However, sources say he is looking to strengthen his team by bringing in Steel, whose recent work in high-profile cases has earned him praise.
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Here’s something I didn’t expect to write:
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) April 15, 2025
Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel has joined Sean “Diddy’ Combs’ criminal defense team. pic.twitter.com/1PD3g3ksr4
Diddy is also said to be searching for a Black female attorney to join the defense, not just for image, but to add diversity and experience.
His legal team continues to argue that he is being targeted because of his wealth and success as a Black man. They believe adding new voices to the team could help shift the narrative as the trial approaches.
Before reaching out to Brian Steel, Diddy showed interest in hiring Joe Tacopina, who represented A$AP Rocky in his shooting case.
Tacopina has also worked with other major figures like Donald Trump and Alex Rodriguez. Although he agreed to speak with Diddy, he later chose not to take the case.
He pointed to his close relationship with JAY-Z and Roc Nation, saying he didn’t want to get involved due to those ties.
