One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense attorneys has requested to withdraw from his legal team in the rapper’s ongoing sex-trafficking case. In a motion filed Thursday, attorney Anthony Ricco stated, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.” While he did not provide specific reasons for his decision, Ricco formally asked the court to approve his resignation.
According to the filing, Ricco’s decision followed discussions with Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, but a judge must authorize his departure. Ricco is among six lawyers currently defending Combs, who was arrested in September on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Prosecutors allege he coerced women into participating in multi-day sex parties, referred to as “freak-offs.”
Since then, more than 150 alleged victims, including men and boys, have accused Combs of sexual misconduct, leading to over 30 civil lawsuits, according to reports. Combs and his legal team have denied all allegations. His criminal trial is set to begin in May.
