Anthony Ricco filed a surprise motion to withdraw as one of Combs’ six defense attorneys
Ekin Karasin1 minute ago
Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyer has quit the music producer’s criminal sex trafficking case.
Anthony Ricco filed a motion to withdraw as one of Diddy’s six defense attorneys, saying “under no circumstances can I continue” in his cryptic statement.
Ricco told the court in New York on Friday: “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.
“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.”
The lawyer said his decision to leave would not delay Combs’ case and the trial can move forward in May.
He added that he had discussions with Combs’ lead counsel Marc Agnifilo before filing the motion.
The judge will sign off on the decision if they find sufficient reason to approve it.
Prosecutors initially accused Combs of being involved in a “criminal organization” responsible for kidnapping and drug-related crimes dating back to 2008.
In an amended indictment filed last month, they alleged that the crimes began in 2004.
The new indictment also expands the list of drugs Combs and his associates allegedly distributed, from cocaine, ketamine and oxycodone to include methamphetamine and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Combs is accused of trying to encourage women to have sex by giving them drugs like ketamine and ecstasy.
Authorities have claimed the music mogul held alleged “freak off” parties, where he allegedly “used force, threats of force and coercion, to cause victims to engage in extended sex acts”.
Last year, investigators raided Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles homes, where prosecutors allege they discovered “1,000 bottles” of baby oil and lubricant purportedly used at the “freak offs.”
Read More
If convicted of racketeering, the former hitmaker could face life in prison.
Diddy is also battling dozens of lawsuits filed against by women and men who accuse him of sexually assault and harassment.
