Sean Combs' lawyer quits defense team ahead of sex trafficking trial—report
A lawyer from Sean "Diddy" Combs has quit his legal team.
Ahead of the embattled rap mogul's sex trafficking trial in May, attorney Anthony Ricco "respectfully but regrettably" filed to withdraw from the case, according to documents an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
"Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs," he said while not explaining his decision.
Documents obtained by NBC said that Ricco said there wouldn't be a "lapse in representation" for Combs as he still has five other lawyers representing him. His decision also came after talking to the rapper's lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo.
"This motion for withdrawal of counsel, if granted, 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," he said.
Combs is currently in jail without bail and is awaiting a trial on May 5. The rapper pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
In September 2024, he faced charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Federal prosecutors allege that he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.
Additionally, they said in a January 2025 criminal indictment against the rapper that he trafficked at least three women in his 20-year sexual abuse scheme.
One civil lawsuit against Combs and fellow rapper Jay-Z was dropped in February.
