(NewsNation) — Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs are accusing the Department of Homeland Security of being behind “unlawful leaks that resulted in prejudicial pre-trial publicity” that will damage Combs’ ability to get a fair trial, and they want a judge to suppress any leaked evidence, including the infamous 2016 tape showing Diddy assaulting his former girlfriend.
In a Wednesday court filing, attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos called the video the “most egregious” leak. Security footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles shows Combs assaulting former girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura.
“The CNN leak was but one of a long and documented history of leaks and false statements made with one purpose: to savage Mr. Combs’ reputation prior to trial,” the filing said.
The lawyers are asking for a hearing so the judge can assess the legal team’s allegations pointed at DHS and not the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting the case. They also want a gag order to prevent any further releases.
Combs, 54, has been locked up since his Sept. 16 arrest on charges alleging that he has physically and sexually abused women for years. He has pleaded not guilty.
The indictment alleges Combs coerced and abused women with the aid of a network of associates and employees while using blackmail and violent acts, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings, to keep victims from speaking out.
Agnifilo has said prosecutors are seeking to criminalize consensual sex that his client has engaged in. He has said Combs plans to clear his name at trial.