In a stunning turn of events that is shaking heads throughout the legal and entertainment communities, celebrated criminal defense lawyer Brian Steel—most famous for defending rapper Young Thug in the years-long YSL racketeering case—joined forces officially with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team. Coming as Diddy’s federal racketeering conspiracy trial is mere weeks from starting with the selection of jurors, the development represents an overhaul of the hip-hop mogul’s defense team.
Steel, deeply regarded for his unafraid courtroom style as well as his ethical fervor, is asking for special permission to practice law in New York from his Georgia base. If approved, he will be standing front and center with Combs as he battles serious charges that will shape the rest of his life.
Brian Steel is no ordinary lawyer. He’s spent three decades setting records with his work defending high-profile, complicated criminal cases, from federal agents to Grammy-winning rappers. But his work in the recent Young Thug/YSL trial brought him to national attention.
In that trial, which turned into Georgia’s longest-ever, Steel hit the headlines after being held in contempt. His crime? Refusing to disclose how he uncovered a private conversation amongst the judge, prosecutor, and witness. Steel took possible prison time in order to not jeopardize his confidential source, something that brought him extensive praise. The charge of contempt was later disregarded, with the judge involved being remanded from handling the case.
For many, that instance sealed Steel’s reputation as being an ethical, straight-shooting defender who does not buckle under pressure. No wonder Diddy’s staff views him as an asset.
Sean Combs, aged 55, is currently in federal detention in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. The former entrepreneur is accused of heading a criminal enterprise involved in trafficking women through threats, intimidation, as well as physical abuse for personal enrichment.
The case has become increasingly more serious. Prosecutors also filed a third superseding indictment earlier this year, which added fresh charges including witness tampering. Combs pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and denied them.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Diddy faces potentially decades in prison if he is convicted. With May 5 being slated as his day in front of the judge, his lawyers are under immense pressure to perform.
Steel’s arrival is timely. Last month, veteran defense lawyer Anthony Ricco dropped off Combs’ defense team for reasons that have not been disclosed. It created controversy and suspicions that the defense team was in disarray.
Although there was word of legendary attorney Mark Geragos possibly signing on to the case, sources indicate that the team ultimately decided to sign Steel, swayed by his in-court demeanor and actual-world success. Teny Geragos, Mark’s daughter, is still part of the legal team along with attorney Marc Agnifilo.
An attempt to bring in a Black female lawyer to diversify the team had also been undertaken, but those negotiations also seem to have come to an impasse. With Steel’s arrival, attention is now firmly centered on bolstering the team’s firepower in court.
Like most celebrity-related legal intrigue, the web is full of opinions. A viral No Jumper post ignited social media with hope from fans that Steel might be able to turn the case in Diddy’s direction.
Legal experts such as DJ Vlad presented a more conservative perspective. They opined that the stringent schedule of the trial may not provide sufficient time to adequately prepare despite how qualified the team is.
Nevertheless, there’s no question that Steel’s involvement alters the vibe of the trial. His reputation for standing his ground in front of prosecutors—and occasionally even judges—has already created legal podcast discussions and Twitter threads about whether Diddy’s defense team just received a huge boost.
