Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces a major legal shakeup as one of his attorneys steps down just weeks ahead of his high-profile trial.
Legal Team Disruption Ahead of May Trial
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 in New York City and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution—charges he has strongly denied, maintaining a not-guilty plea. His trial is scheduled to begin in May, with a team of six lawyers, including Anthony Ricco, Marc Agnifilo, and Teny Geragos, representing his defense.
However, in a surprising development, Ricco has officially withdrawn from the case. On Friday, he filed a motion in the Southern District of New York, citing his inability to continue with trial preparations.
Attorney’s Departure Cites Ethical Concerns
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ricco’s letter to the court stated: “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, consistent with the ABA Standards for Criminal Justice.”
Despite Ricco’s exit, the trial is expected to proceed as scheduled, with Agnifilo, Geragos, and three additional lawyers still handling Combs’ defense strategy.
Diddy Remains in Custody Amid Legal Battles
The It’s All About the Benjamins rapper has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest. So far, he has been denied bail on three occasions, adding to the complexity of his legal battle.
With his trial date fast approaching and a key attorney stepping down, all eyes remain on how Combs’ legal team will navigate this high-stakes courtroom showdown.