Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces fresh crisis amid sex charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a new drama as he sits in a New York jail on charges of rape and sex trafficking.
North America
Don't miss out on the headlines from North America. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defence lawyers quit the disgraced music producer’s criminal sex-trafficking case, new court papers show.
Anthony Ricco filed a motion to withdraw as one of Combs’ six defence lawyers without explanation.
Mr Ricco’s bid to step down won’t be official until a judge signs off on it. A judge must find sufficient reason to approve such a request.
“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,” Mr Ricco wrote.
The lawyer didn’t elaborate on why he wanted to step down but noted the decision came after speaking with Combs’ lead counsel Marc Agnifilo.
“It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”
Mr Ricco suggested the cause for his affidavit’s “brevity” is because he didn’t want to divulge any information protected by lawyer-client privilege.
But he told the judge “there are sufficient reasons” for asking to be let off the case.
Ricco assured the judge his resignation wouldn’t delay the trial — which is set for May 5 — since Combs “will continue to be represented by five other attorneys of record.”
Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to charges he forced women into drugged-up sex shows.
He’s been behind bars without bail since his September arrest.
He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in jail and up to life imprisonment if convicted on the top charge.
Combs also faces at least 40 lawsuits by men and women who claim he drugged them and sexually assaulted or raped them.
He has denied all accusations.
Mr Ricco and Combs’ remaining lawyers declined to comment.
More Coverage
Originally published as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces fresh crisis amid sex charges
Trump fires top ranked military officer in Pentagon shake-up
President Donald Trump has fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of a major shake-up of Pentagon leadership.
Aussies pack Andy Lee’s new pub in New York
Hundreds of Aussie expats turned out to christen a newly opened pub in New York City and share a drink with Andy Lee and Hamish Blake. See photos, video.