Sean "Diddy" Combs scored a significant legal victory on Tuesday, November 19, when a federal judge ruled that evidence obtained from a recent sweep of his jail cell would not be considered at his upcoming bail hearing. The judge also ordered the destruction of copies of 19 pages of notes taken during the sweep, which had been a point of contention between the defense and prosecution.

Combs appeared in court wearing a khaki jumpsuit and without shackles, appearing more relaxed than at previous hearings. He greeted his attorneys with a hug as he entered the courtroom. The hearing was called after prosecutors accused Combs' defense team of violating attorney-client privilege. They alleged that the items seized during a Bureau of Prisons sweep included sensitive documents related to his defense strategy, which Combs’ lawyer called "outrageous government conduct."

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, explained that the notes contained vital trial strategies, witness credibility discussions, and other confidential defense-related content. "When we visit him in jail, we have lists," Agnifilo said. "Everything in these pads are things we discuss. Trial strategy, who we should speak to, to undermine a witness’ credibility."

In contrast, prosecutors argued that the items seized were unrelated to the case and not legally privileged. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik clarified that the majority of the notes found were personal, including birthdays and "inspirational quotes." She also emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and disclosed that the notes had been reviewed by a "Filter Team" before being shared with the prosecution.

In a separate motion, Combs' legal team requested that he be allowed to appear unshackled in future court hearings, citing concerns that shackles could create juror bias due to the high media coverage of his case. Judge Arun Subramanian granted this request.

Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, is facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution, stemming from allegations that he orchestrated "freak offs" and coerced women into participating with male sex workers. Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September and has been denied bail twice, with concerns about potential witness tampering cited by previous judges.