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We’re nearly three months into 2025, and less than that before Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs goes on trial. He’s facing federal sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution charges in New York. While Diddy’s attorneys are likely busy preparing his defense, one lawyer is reportedly one foot off the team. Anthony Ricco wants to quit, and according to PEOPLE, he has filed a motion to do so.
PEOPLE pulled Anthony Ricco’s paperwork, and while he reportedly didn’t state a reason for quitting, he appears set in his decision. He admitted that a conversation with Diddy’s lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo, put the nail in the coffin for him. However, he leaned on his attorney-client privilege as his reasoning for not wanting to give more details about quitting. In the affidavit, the lawyer reportedly stated: “…under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.”
TMZ has cited unnamed sources who suggest Anthony’s departure is related to his lack of relationship with Combs. The sources allege that without a working relationship, the attorney feels incapable of properly defending the client.
On paper, Ricco remains a lawyer on Diddy’s defense team. That will be the case until a judge grants his motion. It’s unclear if this means he will be actively working on the case until then or if he has already taken a backseat.
Regardless, Sean Combs still has proper representation, with attorney Agnifilo leading the producer’s highly anticipated defense. Four other lawyers are also reportedly working on the case.
“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 pretrial legal issues,” Ricco’s motion reportedly said. “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 his attorneys work from the outside, Diddy is expected to remain behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center until his trial starts on May 5. For now, he has pleaded not guilty.
