Court documents reveal that one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense attorneys has stepped down from the disgraced music producer’s criminal sex-trafficking case.
According to the New York Post, on Thursday, Anthony Ricco submitted a motion to withdraw as one of the six defense attorneys representing Bad Boy Records. The motion did not provide any explanation for his decision.
Ricco’s request will not be finalized until a judge signs off on it, and a judge must determine that there is sufficient reason to grant the request.
“Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” Ricco wrote. “It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”
The lawyer did not provide details on why he decided to step down but mentioned that the decision followed a discussion with Combs’ lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo. He suggested that the reason for the “brevity” of his affidavit was to avoid disclosing any information protected by attorney-client privilege.
Ricco told the judge, “There are sufficient reasons” for requesting to be released from the case. He reassured the judge that his resignation would not delay the trial, scheduled for May 5, as Combs “will continue to be represented by five other attorneys of record.”
Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to charges of forcing women into drugged-up sex shows. He has been held without bail since his arrest in September. If convicted on the top charge, Combs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and up to life imprisonment.
Additionally, Combs is facing at least 40 lawsuits from individuals who allege that he drugged and sexually assaulted or raped them.
Investigations into Combs were launched after his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit against him alleging physical and sexual abuse. Footage of Combs physically assaulting and abusing Ventura on surveillance camera was then leaked to the public.
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