A major shake-up has hit Diddy’s legal team as one of his attorneys has filed a motion to withdraw just months before trial.
Warning: This article contains discussions of sexual assault, which some readers may find distressing.
Just months before his highly anticipated trial, Sean “Diddy” Combs has lost one of his defense attorneys. The abrupt departure adds even more uncertainty to an already high-profile legal battle.
Anthony Ricco, a member of Combs’ legal team, has stepped down as his counsel, leaving many wondering what prompted the sudden exit. The filing, submitted on February 20, contained a statement that raised eyebrows.
Ricco’s motion to withdraw reads: “On September 22, 2024, I was retained by the defendant, Sean Combs, to serve as his counsel, and I have served as his counsel since that time.”
He continued by stating: “For the reasons set forth below, this motion for withdrawal is filed so that Sean Combs may move forward with his defense and to commence jury selection and trial without any delay.”
According to the filing, the decision was made after discussions with Combs’ lead attorney, Mark Agnifilo, who reportedly agreed that Ricco’s withdrawal was necessary.
In an additional statement, Ricco noted: “While I am aware that the Local Rule requires that an application for withdrawal of counsel is supported and granted ‘only upon a showing by affidavit or otherwise of satisfactory reasons for withdrawal,’ there are sufficient reasons (related to the protections afforded by the attorney/client privilege) for brevity in my application for withdrawal as counsel in this case.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pictured in Beverly Hills back in 2023
MEGA/GC Images
He also added: “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 stepping down, Ricco emphasized that Combs will still have an active legal team representing him. He reassured that the change wouldn’t disrupt the scheduled jury selection or trial timeline, stating: “This motion for withdrawal of counsel, if granted, will not result in a delay of the present schedule for the commencement of jury selection and trial, or the present schedules for briefing of pre- trial legal issues. As a result, there will be no lapse in representation, as Sean Combs will continue to be represented by five other attorneys of record.”
The timing of Ricco’s departure is particularly striking, as it comes while Combs is facing serious charges and mounting legal pressure.
Diddy was indicted by a grand jury following his arrest at the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan last September. The charges against him include racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion—allegations he has repeatedly denied.
The indictment accuses Combs and members of his alleged criminal enterprise of using his power and influence to manipulate and exploit victims. Prosecutors claim that under the guise of romance and business opportunities, he intimidated and coerced women into his circle.
The legal documents further allege that Combs, with the help of associates, transported commercial sex workers across state lines and even internationally. The indictment states that he used threats, coercion, and force to pressure victims into participating in what he referred to as ‘freak offs.’
Homeland Security Investigation agents raided Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s home in March last year
GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images
Combs remains in jail as he awaits trial, which is set to begin on May 5.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, you can reach out to The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), which offers confidential, 24/7 support. Online assistance is also available at online.rainn.org.