Attorney Seeks to Withdraw from Sean "Diddy" Combs' Legal Team in Sex Trafficking Case

K Wilder
Feb 22
2 min read

A key member of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal defense team is seeking to step away from the high-profile case.

Attorney Anthony Ricco filed a notice in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, stating that he can no longer "effectively serve as counsel" for the embattled music mogul. Ricco did not provide specific reasons for his decision, and his departure must be approved by the court before it is finalized.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges following his September arrest. He remains in custody without bail as he awaits trial, scheduled for May 5.

Federal prosecutors allege that Combs leveraged his power and wealth to orchestrate drug-fueled sexual encounters involving female victims and male sex workers, using intimidation, blackmail, and violence to maintain control. In addition to the criminal case, Combs is also facing multiple civil lawsuits for sexual assault.

While Ricco has not disclosed why he is stepping away, there are several possible reasons an attorney might make such a move in a high-stakes case like this:

Conflicts Within the Defense Team – With six attorneys handling Combs’ defense, internal disagreements over legal strategy could have created tension, making Ricco feel unable to effectively contribute.
Ethical Concerns or New Evidence – If Ricco became aware of evidence or testimony that made him uncomfortable ethically or legally, he may have chosen to withdraw rather than continue representing the client.
Reputation and Professional Risk – Given the serious nature of the allegations and mounting public scrutiny, Ricco may have decided that continued association with the case could be detrimental to his career.

Ricco’s withdrawal comes as Combs’ defense team continues to prepare for trial. He assured the court that his departure would not impact the trial timeline and had already discussed the decision with Combs’ lead attorney.

As the case moves forward, all eyes remain on how the remaining defense team will navigate the serious allegations against the music mogul.

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