Judge Orders Destruction of Copies of Handwritten Notes Taken from Diddy’s Jail Cell During Raid

Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ordered prosecutors to destroy copies of handwritten notes seized from Sean “Diddy” Combs during a jail cell search. The decision comes as Combs, 55, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals across state lines for recorded “Freak Off” performances—a charge he vehemently denies, claiming all acts were consensual.

During the hearing in Manhattan federal court, Subramanian instructed prosecutors not to review the notes while he deliberates the defense’s argument that they are protected under attorney-client privilege. “Get rid of them,” the judge said.

Prosecutors, who obtained photos of the notes from an Oct. 28 raid of Combs’ cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, contend that the documents outline potential witness payoffs and efforts to gather damaging information on them. Prosecutor Mary Slavik argued that such actions could constitute obstruction of justice, which would override any privilege claims.

Meanwhile, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, described the seizure as a “complete institutional failure,” asserting that the notes were related to defense strategy and witness preparation, and that their seizure violated Combs’ constitutional rights. Subramanian will retain a copy of the notes for further review, leaving open the possibility of future prosecutorial use depending on his findings.

Separately, Combs continues his fight for pre-trial release. He has been denied bail three times, with judges citing concerns over potential witness tampering. In his latest request, Combs is offering $50 million bail, backed by his $48 million Florida mansion, with support from multiple family members. A hearing on this bail application is set for Friday, with Subramanian agreeing not to consider the seized notes in his decision.