Lawyers Seek Withdrawal From Combs’ $100M Lawsuit

Sher Tremonte LLP filed a motion in New York federal court to withdraw as counsel for Sean "Diddy" Combs in his $100 million defamation lawsuit against Nexstar Media, Ariel Mitchell and Courtney Burgess. Michael Tremonte said Combs has paid nothing for over six months, with a substantial portion of invoices over 90 days in arrears, and declined timely communications for over four months, causing a total breakdown. Court papers say the firm warned him by mail and email to his power of attorney it would withdraw unless fees were paid and he resumed contact. Through spokesperson Juda Engelmayer, Combs said: "I made the decision to switch lawyers because I won't let anyone take advantage of me by overcharging me and running up bills that were never approved." Michael Tremonte denied the overcharging allegations. The suit stems from NewsNation Banfield broadcasts on alleged sexual misconduct videos involving minors and drug-laced baby oil. A judge dismissed three of four claims against Nexstar. Combs is serving 50 months at Fort Dix on two prostitution counts; he was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking.