This unexpected departure comes just three months before Combs is slated to face trial on serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Diddy remains behind bars. Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty

Ricco, who had been representing Combs since September 2024, filed a motion on Friday in a New York court to withdraw from the case.

In his statement, Ricco cited reasons protected by attorney-client privilege, stating per The New York Post, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.”

He emphasized that his withdrawal would not delay the upcoming trial, as Combs continues to be represented by five other attorneys.

This development adds to the mounting legal challenges facing Combs, 55, who has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.

The indictment alleges that Combs and his associates operated Bad Boy Records as a “criminal enterprise” for over a decade, involving the transportation of commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally.

These workers were allegedly coerced into participating in drug-fueled sex parties, referred to by Combs as “freak offs.” Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains his innocence.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested on September 16. Credit: Jason Kempin / Getty

The legal proceedings have been further complicated by a series of lawsuits filed against Combs. Notably, attorney Tony Buzbee represents over 50 plaintiffs alleging sexual misconduct by Combs.

In October 2024, Buzbee filed a lawsuit accusing Combs and fellow music mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2000.

Jay-Z has vehemently denied these allegations, with his attorney, Alex Spiro, stating that the claims are “heinous” and “untrue.” Jay-Z expressed his frustration, noting, “He’s upset that his kids and his family have to deal with this.” The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice in December 2024, preventing it from being refiled.

The legal battle has also seen infighting among attorneys. Buzbee has accused law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan of engaging in “outrageous litigation gamesmanship” on behalf of an unidentified celebrity allegedly connected to Combs. Buzbee’s lawsuit claims that the firm used private investigators to “intimidate, harass, malign and threaten” his colleagues, clients, and family members.

Quinn Emanuel responded with a lawsuit accusing Buzbee of attempting to “extort exorbitant sums” from their client by threatening to file a lawsuit with “entirely fabricated and malicious allegations of sexual assault.”

As Combs’ May 5, 2025, trial date approaches, the departure of Ricco raises questions about the stability and direction of his defense strategy. Lead counsel Marc Agnifilo remains at the helm, expressing confidence in their position despite the recent upheaval. The music industry and legal observers alike are closely monitoring the situation, as the outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications.

Combs’ representatives have not issued a public statement regarding Ricco’s withdrawal or the ongoing legal challenges. The trial is expected to proceed as scheduled, with jury selection commencing in early May.