Attorney Seeks to Withdraw from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Defense Team in Sex Trafficking Case
One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys has filed to withdraw from his defense team in the embattled hip-hop mogul’s ongoing federal sex trafficking case. Defense lawyer Anthony Ricco submitted a notice Thursday in Manhattan federal court stating that he could no longer “effectively serve as counsel” for Combs.
Ricco did not disclose specific reasons for his decision, and the court must approve his request before he is officially removed from the case. His departure comes as Combs remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting trial on May 5.
Combs Faces Serious Charges
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he used his wealth and power to coerce victims—both female and male—into drug-fueled sexual encounters and then used blackmail and intimidation to maintain control.
In addition to the criminal case, Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, though one high-profile suit that also named rap icon Jay-Z was recently dropped.
Defense Team Still Intact
Ricco was one of six attorneys representing Combs. In his court filing, he stated that his withdrawal would not impact the case timeline, as Combs’ remaining legal team would continue preparing for the upcoming trial.
“Without violating any aspect of the attorney/client privilege, or otherwise providing any details whatsoever on the grounds supporting the application, the government has been notified of the filing of the motion to withdraw as counsel,” Ricco’s filing stated. He also noted that federal prosecutors have taken no position on his request to exit the case.
Despite Ricco’s departure, Combs retains a team of five other defense lawyers as he fights the charges that could carry severe penalties if convicted.
