An attorney representing Sean “Diddy” Combs in his high-profile federal sex trafficking case has announced that he’s stepping down as counsel, just over two months before trial is set to begin.
In a motion filed in New York Federal Court on Friday, Anthony Ricco notified the judge of his intent to withdraw, citing “sufficient reasons,” the specifics of which are protected under attorney/client privilege.
“Although I have provided Sean Combs with the high level of legal representation expected by the court, under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” he continued. “It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”
Ricco noted that there will be no “lapse in representation” as the rapper is still being represented by “five other attorneys on record.” He added that his decision followed discussions with Combs’ lead counsel Marc Agnifilo.
“This motion for withdrawal of counsel, if granted,” he continued, “will not result in a delay of the present schedule for the commencement of jury selection and trial, or the present schedules for briefings of pre-trial legal issues.”
Combs has been behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest on Sept. 16. He was taken into custody at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Midtown following a months-long federal investigation, which saw agents raid his homes in Miami and Los Angeles.
At the center of the federal case is Combs’ infamous “freak off” sex parties, which allegedly involved degrading and physically abusive acts that were often recorded without consent.
According to a federal indictment in the case, the rapper “abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him” into participating in the illicit parties.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has repeatedly been denied bail.
Still, he has continued to maintain his innocence in the months since, even as more alleged victims have come forward. He’s currently facing more than 30 civil lawsuits, most of them detailing allegations of drug use, rape, sexual assault and physical abuse.
Back in June, the music mogul did admit to assaulting his ex-girlfriend R&B singer Cassie Ventura after violent video footage leaked of a 2016 incident in a hotel hallway. She filed suit against Diddy in November 2023, but settled the following day.
Combs’ federal trial is scheduled to begin on May 5.
