Sean Diddy Combs adds Young Thug's lawyer Brian Steel to his legal team ahead of the trial

Music mogul Sean Diddy Combs has brought a well-known attorney onto his legal team as he prepares for an upcoming trial.

According to Rolling Stone, Combs has officially added Brian Steel, the lawyer who gained widespread attention while defending rapper Young Thug, to his defense team.

On Tuesday, Steel filed paperwork asking to be allowed to practice in Combs’ case, even though he is based outside the state. This legal move comes just weeks before jury selection is set to begin on May 5, 2025.

Brian Steel is a respected lawyer who built a strong reputation during the nearly two-year trial of Young Thug (whose real name is Jeffery Williams) in Atlanta. That case centered around racketeering and accusations involving a gang called YSL. During that time, Steel made headlines for standing his ground in court—even getting arrested after refusing to reveal how he had learned about a private conversation involving the judge, prosecutors, and a key witness. Although he faced a contempt charge, it was eventually dropped, and the judge in question was later removed from the case.

Douglas Weinstein, another attorney who worked on the YSL trial, praised Steel’s dedication and courtroom skills. In comments shared by Rolling Stone, Weinstein said Steel’s "insights, tenacity, and character" would be a huge benefit to Combs' case. He even referred to Steel as a “legend in Georgia” due to his conduct and performance during the high-profile trial.

Combs, who is now 55, is currently facing a serious racketeering conspiracy charge. Federal prosecutors have accused him of leading a criminal organization that allegedly trafficked women and used manipulation, threats, and violence for his personal satisfaction. He has pleaded not guilty and has been held at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.

Weinstein added that Steel’s calm yet determined approach might be especially helpful, given that the case touches on very sensitive topics. He emphasized that Steel’s honesty and compassion could bring balance to the defense.

Before Steel joined, there were rumors that Combs was also trying to hire well-known Los Angeles lawyer Mark Geragos. Although Geragos is currently involved in a separate case involving the Menendez brothers, Rolling Stone noted that he was recently spotted in New York. Interestingly, his daughter, Teny Geragos, is already part of Combs’ defense team.

The addition of Brian Steel could signal a new direction in Combs' legal strategy as the trial date draws closer.