Diddy’s legal team adds surprising new face weeks ahead of trial

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team has expanded by one.

Brian Steel, an Atlanta-based attorney who has past represented musical artist Young Thug, is the latest heavy hitter to provide his services to the embattled music mogul in his upcoming sex trafficking trial.

Steel submit paperwork to the United States District Court in the Southern of New York Tuesday indicating his intent ‘to appear as counsel’ for the Grammy-winning artist when the trial kicks off in three weeks.

‘I am a member in good standing of the Bar of the State of Georgia and there are no pending disciplinary proceedings against me in any state or federal court,’ Steel told the court in a document reviewed by Dailymail.com. ‘I have never been convicted of a felony.

‘I have never been disbarred or denied admission or readmission by any court. I have been administratively suspended (then reinstated) and censured (but then vindicated) by courts and provide the facts and circumstances surrounding those instances in the attached the affidavit pursuant to Local Rule 1.3.’

Dailymail.com has reached out to Diddy’s legal team and Steel for further comment on his joining the team. 

The legal team repping Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (pictured 2018 in NYC) has expanded by one 

Brian Steel, an Atlanta-based attorney who has past represented musical artist Young Thug, is the latest heavy hitter to provide his services to the embattled music mogul in his upcoming sex trafficking trial 

In a bio page on his website, Steel says he ‘has tirelessly defended those accused of criminal misconduct since 1991.

The lawyer said he ‘has built a national criminal defense practice in state and federal courts based on exhaustive preparation, creative and novel motions, skillful appellate advocacy and zealous courtroom showdowns’ – all traits that will serve him well in the upcoming Combs trial.

Steel has made appearance in courts in both his native Georgia as well as states including California, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, New Jersey and Oregon.

He was praised by his colleague Douglas Weinstein to Rolling Stone  as ‘a legend’ as ‘his insights, tenacity and character will be a phenomenal addition to Mr. Combs’ team.’

Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges after his September arrest. 

He has remained incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting a May 5 trial, after he was refused bail on multiple occasions.

Prosecutors in Combs’ federal case say the music mogul used blackmail and violence in his efforts to silence victims.

Among the claims made against the entertainer is that he persuaded women to participate against their will in group sexual exhibitions referred to as ‘Freak Offs.’ 

Combs (pictured in LA on March 7, 2016) has denied all of the allegations against him

Combs pictured with ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in March of 2016 in LA

Prior to his arrest, Diddy was in the headlines for much of 2024 year after video of him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie surfaced on CNN in May 

The Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down performer remains in federal custody nearly five months after his September 16 arrest in Manhattan in connection with sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

Combs, who is also charged with transportation to engage in prostitution, has made a trio of attempts in vain to be granted bail, amid concerns from the court he would attempt to flee or tamper with his case.

Prior to his arrest he was in the headlines for much of 2024 year after raids on multiple properties in March; and video of him assaulting Cassie surfacing on CNN in May.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reacted at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.