The legal world just got a major shake-up as Attorney Nicole Westmoreland, who made waves defending Quamarvious Nichols in the YSL RICO trial, officially signed on to represent Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her notice of appearance, filed on May 6, 2025, in New York’s Southern District Court, confirms she’s stepping into one of the most high-profile cases in years. Westmoreland isn’t riding solo—she’s joined forces with Brian Steel, the Atlanta legal heavyweight who famously secured a plea deal for Young Thug in the same YSL saga. Combs is gearing up for a fierce courtroom battle with these two powerhouse attorneys in his corner.
Westmoreland’s track record in the YSL trial, where she tackled complex racketeering charges, makes her a strategic addition to Combs’ defense. She was recently seen entering court alongside Steel, which is a clear sign they’re working as a tight unit. Steel, who joined the team in April 2025, brings his own legendary status, having navigated high-stakes drama in the YSL case, including a contempt charge he later overturned. Their combined expertise signals Combs’ determination to fight charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution with everything he’s got.
The buzz around Diddy’s trial is off the charts, with jury selection kicking off on May 5, 2025, in Manhattan’s federal courthouse. The allegations paint Combs as the orchestrator of a decades-long criminal enterprise, using his music empire to exploit women through coercion and violence. Prosecutors are bringing heavy hitters to the stand, including Combs’ ex, Cassie Ventura, who’ll testify under her real name, while three other accusers will use pseudonyms for protection. A judge’s ruling to admit 2016 surveillance footage showing Combs attacking Ventura has sent shockwaves, ensuring this trial stays in the spotlight. Opening statements are set for May 12, 2025, and the case could stretch into the summer, keeping the public glued to every development.
Journalists covering the trial faced a frenzy outside the courthouse, where federal rules banning cameras and livestreams ramped up competition for limited seats. Courtroom sketches, like those capturing Combs’ graying hair and goatee, are the public’s only visual window into the proceedings. Reporters and influencers, including YouTubers, packed an overflow room, but some left when they realized no video feed was available. On May 5, 19 prospective jurors were cleared, though others were dismissed for biases—one cited a documentary called “The Fall of Diddy,” another mentioned a 1991 lawsuit tied to Combs. The intense media scrum reflects the trial’s global draw, with every moment from jury selection to Combs’ courtroom nods dissected online.
Right now, Diddy’s in a rough spot. Locked up at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his September 2024 arrest, he’s been denied bail multiple times over concerns he might tamper with witnesses. He’s ditched jail garb in court for civilian clothes—a navy pullover and glasses—projecting a softer image. He’s been seen hugging his attorneys and even requested a bathroom break, admitting to Judge Arun Subramanian,
“I’m a little nervous today.”
His legal team, including Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, and Xavier R. Donaldson, is pushing a defense that frames his actions as part of a consensual “swinger” lifestyle, not a criminal racket. Posts on X show fans and critics alike buzzing, with some calling the prosecution overzealous while others demand justice for the accusers.
What’s the likely outcome for Diddy?
It’s a tough call. A conviction on all counts could mean life in prison, with the 2016 video and multiple accusers forming a strong prosecution case. Westmoreland and Steel’s experience with RICO defenses might help them poke holes, perhaps arguing the evidence is skewed or racially targeted, as hinted in prior motions. A plea deal isn’t impossible—Steel’s YSL success shows he’s got the chops—but Combs’ firm not guilty plea suggests he’s ready to fight. The defense will need to counter intense public scrutiny and sway a jury that’s already seen damning headlines. The odds lean toward a conviction unless they can significantly discredit the accusers or the evidence.
This trial isn’t just legal drama; it’s a cultural earthquake. With Westmoreland and Steel leading the charge, Diddy’s case is set to dominate the news cycle, and the music industry is holding its breath.