Bec Oakes
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual abuse which some readers may find distressing.
Anthony Ricco, Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer, has announced that he will no longer represent the music mogul just three months before he's set to go on trial.
Combs, 55, is currently being held at New York's Metropolitan Detention Center over charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution - all of which he's pleaded not guilty to.
Separately, he faces numerous charges over allegations of sexual assault.
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Earlier today, his lawyer, Anthony Ricco, filed a withdraw of counsel with a New York court.
In a motion seen by the LADbible Group, Ricco states: "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.
"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."
He added: "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.
"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.
"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."
While Ricco's decision to stand down is currently unknown, it's said to have been made following a discussion with Combs' lead counsel Mark Agnifilo.
This comes after the musician and businessman was indicted by a grand jury following his arrest back in September 2024.
The indictment claims that Combs and his associates 'transported commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally' and 'then used force, threats of force, and coercion, to cause victims to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers that Combs referred to as, among other things, 'freak offs'.'
His trial is set to begin on 5 May.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.