One of the lawyers defending Sean “Diddy” Combs in his ongoing criminal sex-trafficking case has unexpectedly withdrawn from the team, according to new court documents. Anthony Ricco, a prominent defence attorney, filed a motion on Thursday to step down from the case, leaving no explanation for his decision.
Ricco, who was part of Combs’ defence team of six attorneys, submitted his request to withdraw in a federal court affidavit filed in Manhattan. In the brief document, Ricco explained that he could no longer serve as effective counsel for the music mogul. “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” Ricco wrote, urging the court to grant his request.
The motion to withdraw will not become official until a judge signs off on it. In such cases, the court must find a valid reason for a lawyer to step down from representing a client. While Ricco did not go into detail about the reasons behind his decision, he did mention that he had discussed the matter with Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo.
Ricco’s affidavit was notably brief, and he refrained from offering any specifics about why he felt compelled to leave the case. He did, however, indicate that the decision was made following his discussions with Agnifilo. In his affidavit, Ricco clarified that he did not wish to reveal any information that might be protected by attorney-client privilege.
While he did not go into further detail, Ricco assured the judge that there were “sufficient reasons” for him to step down from the case. He also made it clear that his resignation would not cause any delays in the trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 5. Combs will still be represented by the remaining five lawyers on his defence team.
The withdrawal of Ricco marks another development in the high-profile case involving Sean Combs, who is facing serious criminal charges related to sex trafficking. The case has attracted significant attention due to Combs’ fame and the gravity of the allegations against him.
Sean Combs, the 54-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records, is accused of forcing women into drug-induced sex shows. The charges, which are part of a broader sex-trafficking case, include allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation. Combs has strongly denied all the charges, pleading not guilty in court.
As the trial date approaches, it is unclear what impact Ricco’s withdrawal will have on Combs’ legal strategy. The remaining members of Combs’ defence team will now have to navigate the complex case without one of the top lawyers initially representing the music mogul.
Combs is still represented by five other defence attorneys, including his lead lawyer, Marc Agnifilo. The legal team will continue to prepare for the trial, which is set to begin on May 5.
