Diddy's Lawyer Quits: 'Under No Circumstances Can I Continue'
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is facing a federal trial on serious criminal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. As the high-profile case moves forward, one of his defense attorneys, Anthony Ricco, has unexpectedly withdrawn from the legal team, raising questions about the state of Combs' defense.
The Charges Against P. Diddy
Combs, a three-time Grammy-winning rapper and music mogul, was arrested on Sept. 16, 2024, in New York City. He has been in federal custody since then, with multiple bail requests denied due to concerns about potential witness tampering and intimidation.
The charges against Combs are severe. According to an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York, prosecutors allege that Combs engaged in a criminal enterprise spanning years, using his influence and resources to manipulate, coerce, and threaten individuals into participating in illicit activities, as reported by Sky News.
Diddy performing at the eTalk Festival Party, during the Toronto International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Burdett under CC BY 3.0.
The indictment outlines three primary charges: racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which is also punishable by life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years; and transportation to engage in prostitution, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Prosecutors have argued that Combs used his power in the music industry to facilitate these crimes while intimidating victims and witnesses into silence. Federal judges have repeatedly cited these concerns when denying his bail requests. His trial is set to begin on May 5, 2025, CBS News reports.
Attorney Anthony Ricco Quits the Defense Team
Amid the mounting legal battles, Anthony Ricco, one of Combs' six attorneys, has filed a motion to withdraw from the case. In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Ricco wrote, "Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs." He did not provide further explanation for his departure, citing attorney-client privilege.
Ricco's motion must be approved by a judge before he is officially removed from the defense team. Despite the abrupt decision, he assured the court that his withdrawal would not delay the trial or disrupt the legal proceedings. According to PEOPLE, Ricco stated, "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 pretrial legal issues."
While Ricco did not elaborate on his reasoning, he indicated that he came to the decision after consulting with lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo.
What This Means for Diddy's Defense
Even with Ricco's departure, Combs still has a robust legal team, including Agnifilo, who remains his lead attorney. However, the sudden withdrawal of a defense lawyer raises speculation about internal conflicts or potential issues within the case.
With his trial approaching, Combs' legal battles continue to intensify. In addition to the criminal charges, he faces multiple civil lawsuits from women who have accused him of sexual assault.
For now, Combs remains behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting the trial that could determine the rest of his life.
References: P Diddy: What are the allegations against Sean Combs and when is his trial? | Diddy's Lawyer Quits Defense Team: 'Under No Circumstances Can I Continue' | Lawyer for Sean "Diddy" Combs wants to quit defense team before sex trafficking trial
