Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new challenges in his legal battle as his attorney Anthony Ricco formally withdrew from his defense team, citing his inability to continue representing the music mogul.
In a motion to withdraw filed in New York federal court on Thursday, Ricco stated, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.”
BREAKING : Court documents reveal that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense attorneys have stepped down from representing the embattled music mogul in his criminal sex-trafficking case. On Thursday, Anthony Ricco, one of the six lawyers defending the Bad Boy Records founder, submitted a… pic.twitter.com/z4Nsbn1GoS
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The filing noted that discussions took place with Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lead counsel, before the motion was submitted.
Ricco did not provide further details regarding his decision but confirmed that government prosecutors had been informed and had no stance on his withdrawal.
The departure is not expected to delay Combs’ upcoming trial, which is set to begin in May. Combs remains represented by his lead attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, both of whom have been handling his defense since federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami last year.
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Combs, 55, has been in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his September 2023 arrest. He is facing federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution—charges that could result in life in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated and participated in “Freak Offs,” which they describe as “elaborate and produced sex performances.”
According to court filings, Combs allegedly directed these performances while recording them and engaging in lewd acts.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the accusations are false and exaggerated.
His legal team has also dismissed dozens of civil lawsuits filed against him, arguing they are frivolous attempts for financial gain.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs leveraged his “power and prestige” as a prominent music industry figure to coerce and manipulate victims, often using intimidation, blackmail, and physical violence to maintain control.
The government further claims that Combs’ alleged criminal activities included kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults to silence accusers and enforce his influence.
Beyond his criminal trial, Combs is also engaged in a legal battle with NBC Universal over a documentary that he claims falsely portrays him as a serial murderer and sexual predator.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, takes aim at the Peacock TV documentary titled “Diddy: Making of a Bad Boy”, which he alleges is filled with false and defamatory statements.
According to the lawsuit, “Indeed, the entire premise of the Documentary assumes that Mr. Combs has committed numerous heinous crimes, including serial murder, rape of minors, and sex trafficking of minors, and attempts to crudely psychologize him.”
Combs’ legal team argues that the documentary “falsely, recklessly, and maliciously” links him to the deaths of several prominent figures, including:
- Kimberly Porter, Combs’ longtime girlfriend and mother of his children, who died in 2008 from complications of pneumonia at age 47.
- Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.), who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997 at age 24.
- Dwight Arrington Myers (Heavy D), who died in 2011 from a pulmonary embolism at age 44.
The lawsuit contends that the documentary misrepresents facts and damages Combs’ reputation, while NBC Universal has yet to comment on the legal action.
As Combs’ May trial date approaches, his legal team is preparing for a high-profile courtroom battle.
Despite losing one of his attorneys, his defense remains led by Agnifilo and Geragos, who have continued to push back against the allegations.
If convicted on the racketeering charge, Combs could face a life sentence, with an additional mandatory minimum of 15 years for sex trafficking charges.
With multiple civil lawsuits, a federal criminal trial, and an ongoing legal dispute with NBC Universal, Combs’ legal troubles are far from over.
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