In a significant development, one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense attorneys, Anthony Ricco, has withdrawn from representing the music mogul in his upcoming federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Ricco filed a motion in the Southern District of New York federal court, stating, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.” He refrained from providing specific reasons, citing attorney-client privilege.
Despite Ricco’s departure, Combs’ defense team remains robust, comprising five other attorneys, including lead counsel Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos. Ricco emphasized that his withdrawal would not delay the trial, which is scheduled to commence on May 5, 2025.
Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been embroiled in legal challenges since November 2023, following allegations by singer Cassie Ventura of rape and physical abuse, which were settled out of court. Subsequent accusations from other individuals have surfaced, all of which Combs has denied. In September 2024, he was arrested and indicted on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
In a related legal maneuver, Combs’ defense team has sought to dismiss certain charges, particularly those under the Mann Act, arguing that the law has historically been used to target Black men and is being misapplied in this case.
As the trial date approaches, the legal proceedings continue to attract significant public and media attention, given Combs’ prominence in the music industry and the serious nature of the allegations.