Diddy's Defense Attorney Withdraws From Case, States He Can No Longer Represent Mogul Effectively
Attorney Anthony Ricco has filed a motion to withdraw from Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team in his ongoing criminal sex-trafficking and racketeering case. The motion was submitted on February 20, without providing specific reasons for the withdrawal.
Defendant sign in criminal courtroom
In the court documents, Ricco simply stated, "Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs." The withdrawal requires judicial approval before becoming official. Ricco's brief request reportedly maintains attorney-client privilege confidentiality.
The attorney confirmed discussing his departure with Combs' lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo. Despite this change, the trial's scheduled May 5 start date should remain unaffected, as Combs still retains five other attorneys.
Current Legal Situation:
- Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of drugging women and forcing them into sex work
- He remains in custody without bail since his September arrest
- If convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison
- Approximately 40 additional lawsuits alleging sexual assault and drugging are pending
- A recent Jane Doe case against Combs and Jay-Z was withdrawn, though numerous others remain active
Combs and his legal team continue to deny all allegations against him.