For years, Sean “Diddy” Combs was one of the most iconic artists and producers in the world with ties and friendships to several high-profile athletes, including NBA superstar LeBron James. As he now faces a massive criminal sex trafficking case, it sounds like things have taken a bad turn for him.
According to a report from the New York Post, one of Diddy’s defense lawyers has abruptly quit his defense team.
On Thursday, attorney Anthony Ricco officially filed a motion to withdraw as one of the Bad Boy Records’ six defense attorneys, the New York Post reports, citing court documents. Ricco did not give a reason for his departure but had a pretty strong statement on the decision.
“Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” Ricco wrote in the Manhattan federal court affidavit, according to the New York Post. “It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested.”
Ricco said that he kept the reason for his departure vague and brief because he didn’t want to divulge any information protected by attorney-client privilege.
The move won’t be official until a judge signs off on it as a judge must find sufficient reason to approve such a request. However, Ricco insists there is indeed reason, even if he did not share specifics in his affidavit.
Ricco’s decision came after speaking with Combs’ lead counsel Marc Agnifilo. While he did not provide a specific reason for leaving the defense team, he did tell the judge that “there are sufficient reasons” for asking to be dismissed.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to charges he forced women into drugged-up sex shows. His trial is set for May 5.
The former rapper and entertainer could face life in prison if he is convicted on the top charge.
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