Harvey Weinstein hires Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers ahead of rape trial
Harvey Weinstein has brought in Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ lawyers ahead of his third rape trial in New York.
The former film producer and convicted sex offender has shaken up his legal team by hiring attorneys who have recently represented Combs and Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
According to The Independent, the hiring of Jacob Kaplan, Marc Agnifilo, and Teny Geragos was confirmed in court papers on February 24th, replacing his longtime lawyer, Arthur Aidala.
Agnifilo and Geragos represented Combs and achieved a split verdict and acquittals on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Kaplan was a member of Weinstein’s original defence team in 2018. Aidala will now turn his attention away from the courtroom to focus on Weinstein’s appeals and pending civil matters.
Weinstein’s spokesperson said, “Harvey believes that, after two prior trials on this matter, a recalibrated outlook and strategic approach offers the most effective path forward.”
Combs was previously compared to Weinstein by Thomas Giuffra, the lawyer of three male accusers in lawsuits against the rapper.
“Whenever you have a serial abuser, they follow a pattern,” he said. “Harvey Weinstein had a pattern, Sean Combs has a pattern, and with all of [my clients], the stories are a little different, but the pattern is the same – ‘Come into my orbit, have a drink, you get woozy, take a rest, wake up to being sodomised.’”
A former model named Crystal McKinney brought a sexual assault lawsuit against Weinstein in June 2025 after previously suing Combs in May 2024.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.