Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer quits sex-trafficking case: ‘Under no circumstances can I continue’
One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense lawyers quit the disgraced music producer’s criminal sex-trafficking case, new court papers show.
Anthony Ricco filed a motion Thursday to withdraw as one of the Bad Boy Records’ six defense attorneys without explanation.
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.
“Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” Ricco wrote in the Manhattan federal court affidavit. “It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”
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.
The attorney suggested the cause for his affidavit’s “brevity” is because he didn’t want to divulge any information protected by attorney-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 behind bars 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.
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He’s denied the accusations.
His legal team declined to comment Friday.
Ricco didn’t immediately return a separate request.
