Attorney withdraws from high-profile case
Sean Diddy Combs’ attorney, Anthony Ricco, has officially withdrawn as legal counsel in the rapper’s ongoing federal case. Ricco, who was part of Combs’ defense team, filed a motion in a New York City court on Friday (Feb 21) to step down from his role.
“Although I have provided Sean Diddy 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 Diddy Combs,” Ricco stated in the filing.
While Ricco did not provide further explanation for his decision, he mentioned there were “sufficient reasons” for his withdrawal. However, his departure is not expected to affect the May 5 federal trial date.
“Without violating attorney-client privilege or disclosing any details, the government has been informed of my withdrawal,” the motion states.
The government has taken no position on Ricco’s request to withdraw.
A changing legal team
Ricco joined Diddys’ defense team in September 2024 and was one of several lawyers working on the case. His exit marks another shift in Combs’ legal representation as the trial date approaches.
More about the case
The rapper has been incarcerated since September 16 at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. He is facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs has also been accused in multiple sexual assault lawsuits. Recently, however, a woman who alleged that Combs and Jay-Z sexually assaulted her when she was 13 years old dropped her civil lawsuit, according to court records.
Jay-Z was previously accused of assaulting the girl alongside Combs at a party following the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000.
