The presiding judge has directed federal prosecutors to dispose of multiple pages containing Combs’ handwritten notes, which were acquired during a search at MDC-Brooklyn, where he remains detained without bail.
“The government should not be in possession of the 19 pages,” Judge Arun Subramanian said after an hour-long session on Tuesday.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Subramanian issued this directive whilst Combs entered the courtroom with a broad smile, marking his first appearance without ankle restraints.
The court granted the defence’s request to have Combs unshackled during proceedings.
Combs displayed evident satisfaction at his unrestricted movement, greeting audience members with smiles and embracing his legal representatives.
During proceedings, defence counsel Marc Agnifilo presented various seized materials from Combs’ accommodation, highlighting that Combs “has handwritten the word ‘legal'” on these items.
Agnifilo contended that all documents within the collection fall under legal confidentiality.
“Virtually every single thing in these legal pads are matters he discusses with his attorneys,” Agnifilo said. “This has been a complete institutional failure.”
The prosecution contested this position. “Self-labeling something ‘legal’ does not automatically make it subject to the attorney-client privilege,” prosecutor Christy Slavik responded. “The government received these materials through a completely appropriate channel.”
Prosecutors referenced Combs’ notes whilst opposing his bail application, suggesting they indicated potential witness payment. The judge confirmed these references would not influence Friday’s bail determination.