Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a high-stakes trial on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges, with jury selection set to begin on May 5, 2025, in Manhattan’s U.S. District Court.
Sean Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty and rejected a last-minute plea deal, opting for a jury trial. The charges carry the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. To defend him, Combs has assembled a high-profile defence team with some of the country’s top defense attorneys.
Lead Defense Attorneys and Law Firms
Sean Combs’ defense team is spearheaded by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, co-lead counsel, both partners at Agnifilo Intrater LLP. Agnifilo, a former federal prosecutor, brings over 30 years of experience in high-profile criminal defense, while Geragos, daughter of famed Los Angeles attorney Mark Geragos, has quickly risen as a formidable talent. Also joining the defense is Brian Steel, a veteran Georgia-based lawyer best known for his role in the Young Thug case.
Other lawyers have been involved, including New York attorney Anthony Ricco, who withdrew from the team in February 2025, and appellate specialist Alexandra Shapiro. There is also speculation that Mark Geragos, Teny’s father, may take on an advisory role as the trial progresses.
Marc Agnifilo – Veteran Trial Lawyer
Marc Agnifilo, the lead trial counsel, has tried over 200 cases throughout his 30-year career. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, he oversaw major organized-crime prosecutions before switching to defense. Agnifilo has handled high-profile cases such as the defense of NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere in a notorious sex-trafficking trial. He is known for simplifying complex facts for jurors and is expected to steer the defense strategy, focusing on contextualizing Combs’ actions as part of a consensual “lifestyle” rather than criminal behavior.
Teny Geragos – Rising Star
Teny Geragos, 33, brings a combination of youthful tenacity and specialized expertise to the case. Having worked at Brafman & Associates before co-founding Agnifilo Intrater LLP, Geragos has handled a range of criminal cases, including sexual assault and fraud. She has been particularly vocal in her defense of Combs, publicly stating his innocence in TV interviews and social media. Geragos will likely handle the sensitive aspects of the case, particularly on sexual misconduct, and is expected to play a prominent role in both the courtroom and the media.
Brian Steel – Heavyweight Defender
Brian Steel, who joined the defense team in April 2025, brings his extensive experience, especially in complex RICO cases. Steel is best known for representing rapper Young Thug in a lengthy gang conspiracy case. His involvement adds additional firepower to Combs’ defense, particularly in challenging the prosecution’s case on conspiracy charges. Steel’s aggressive courtroom style and experience in handling high-profile trials will likely be a key asset in defending Combs.
Defense Strategy and Public Statements
The defense strategy revolves around portraying Combs’ actions as part of a consensual “lifestyle” choice rather than criminal behavior. Combs’ attorneys argue that the sexual activities alleged by prosecutors were consensual and not trafficking. They have also indicated they will challenge the credibility of the accusers, particularly focusing on a 2016 hotel surveillance video that shows an incident with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie.
Publicly, the defense has expressed unwavering confidence in Combs’ innocence, maintaining that no crime was committed. They have also fought for his release on bail, proposing a $50 million package, but have been denied by federal judges.
Courtroom Dynamics
With the trial beginning in Courtroom 15A of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, the case is expected to draw significant media attention. Jury selection has already been a challenge due to the extensive publicity surrounding the trial. The trial is expected to last 8 to 10 weeks, with numerous witnesses, including several of Combs’ accusers, expected to testify. The defense team will need to navigate not only the legal arguments but also the media frenzy surrounding the case.
