Diddy Reportedly Aiming to Strengthen Legal Team by Bringing On Young Thug’s Attorney

Diddy is reportedly hoping that attorney Brian Steel can bring the same legal expertise to his sex trafficking case that he showcased during Young Thug’s high-profile YSL RICO trial.

With his own trial set to begin in just a few weeks, the embattled Bad Boy mogul is looking to strengthen his defense by bringing Steel on board. The attorney earned widespread praise for securing a plea deal for Young Thug, which resulted in the Atlanta rapper's release from jail.

On Tuesday (April 15), Steel filed a motion requesting the court's approval to join Diddy’s defense team. The rap icon currently faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. Jury selection is scheduled to start on May 5, with opening statements expected a week later on May 12.

In addition to Steel, Diddy is also said to be seeking to diversify his legal team by hiring a Black female attorney. While his lawyers have argued that the case is part of a broader pattern of prosecutors targeting wealthy Black men, TMZ reports that the move isn't merely for optics, but to further strengthen his legal strategy.

At present, Diddy is being represented by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, both of whom are white.

Before turning to Steel, Diddy had reportedly approached A$AP Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina. Known for his courtroom prowess, Tacopina recently helped Rocky beat a shooting case and is regarded as one of the top trial lawyers in the U.S.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Tacopina confirmed he had been in touch with Diddy but hadn't committed: “I’m going to speak to him. I’m not saying yes or no. I’m just going to listen.”

However, Tacopina had previously expressed hesitation about representing Diddy due to his close ties with JAY-Z and Roc Nation. Speaking to The Breakfast Club, he said: “I was asked to take a look at the case. That’s another case I said I was not interested in. I represent Roc Nation; a lot of people there I’m very close with. Jay and [Roc Nation president] Desiree Perez are like family to me.”

He also downplayed any notion of a close friendship between JAY-Z and Diddy, echoing similar remarks made by JAY-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro: “Everyone wants a picture with P. Diddy at some point, especially at a party,” he said.

Source: Hiphopdx
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