Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Legal Team Files Notice to Appeal for Release Two Weeks After Arrest

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is preparing to appeal his release from prison, as confirmed by court documents obtained by PEOPLE on Monday, Sept. 30.

Combs’ attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, filed a notice of intent to appeal on Monday after Combs was denied bail twice. A source close to him mentioned that the full appeal brief will be filed soon. The source added that Combs is assembling his “dream legal defense team,” which now includes trial lawyer Anthony Ricco and appellate lawyer Shapiro.

The 54-year-old former music mogul was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8:25 p.m. His 14-page indictment was made public the following day, outlining several allegations against him. He is accused of orchestrating multiple “freak offs,” described by prosecutors as “elaborate and produced sex performances,” and allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting his victims.

On Sept. 18, the same day the notice of intent to appeal was filed, Combs was denied bail for the second time and is currently being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky, who initially denied bail on Tuesday, Sept. 17, cited concerns about his alleged “substance abuse and what seems like anger issues,” adding, “I don’t know that you can trust yourself” not to harm others.

In recent updates, sources revealed to PEOPLE on Sunday, Sept. 29, that Combs is no longer on suicide watch, and his family has visited him as he awaits trial. According to his attorney, “He is focused and very strong, concentrating on his defense and preparing for his trial.”

Previously, sources indicated that Combs was placed on suicide watch as a preventive measure due to his shock and uncertain mental state, although it was unclear if he was genuinely suicidal or how long the precaution was maintained. Suicide watch involves “supervisory precautions taken for suicidal inmates that require frequent observation,” as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections.

Combs is scheduled for his next court appearance in early October.