Attorney Nicole Westmoreland, a prominent Atlanta-based criminal defense lawyer and survivor of sexual assault, has officially joined Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team just as jury selection wraps in the rap mogul’s upcoming federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York.
The addition of Westmoreland to Combs’ high-profile legal team was made public on Monday, May 5, when her appearance was filed in the Southern District of New York court.
The announcement immediately sparked conversation — not only because of Westmoreland’s sharp legal background but also due to her harrowing personal history.
A Survivor Representing the Accused
In 2001, at just 19 years old, Westmoreland says she was raped by Alfred Cleveland, then-president of Cash Money Records and brother of rapper Bryan “Birdman” Williams, during a visit to Patchwerk Studios in Atlanta.
She was there with friends after being invited to pitch her startup company to music executives.
Westmoreland claims Cleveland offered to walk her to the bathroom, but instead forced her inside and sexually assaulted her. He reportedly attempted to hand her off to another man, but stopped after she begged him not to.
Despite being threatened, Westmoreland reported the incident to police. Cleveland was arrested and later pled guilty to aggravated assault with intent to rape.
In 2008, she filed a civil suit against the Williams brothers and their label for negligence and failing to provide a safe environment.
From Trauma to the Courtroom
Since then, Westmoreland has become a respected legal figure in Atlanta, known for her fierce advocacy and courtroom presence.
She recently served as counsel in Georgia’s sprawling YSL RICO trial, where she represented a co-defendant who accepted a plea deal. She now joins Brian Steel — who represented rapper Young Thug in the same case — on Combs’ defense team.
The optics of her addition are notable, particularly as Combs faces mounting public scrutiny and multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault and abuse.
Her presence on the team comes after reports surfaced that Combs wanted a Black woman attorney to join his defense — a move some see as strategic amid claims that federal prosecutors are targeting a “wealthy, successful Black man.”
Legal Proceedings Underway
On Wednesday, Westmoreland was seen walking into the Manhattan courthouse with Steel as jury selection continued.
According to USA Today, 22 potential jurors passed questioning, with the final pool expected to be whittled down to 45 before the official jury is selected on May 9.
Opening statements in the high-stakes federal trial are expected next week. Combs has denied all wrongdoing and has yet to comment publicly on Westmoreland’s addition to his legal team.
