Didi the Lawyer Withdraws from Human Trafficking Case: ‘I Simply Cannot Continue’

Lawyer Resignation in Sean Combs Case

The latest court documents reveal that one of Sean Diddy Combs’ attorneys has withdrawn from the disturbing sexual trafficking case.

Anthony Ricco submitted a petition on Friday (February 21) to resign from his position as one of Diddy’s six lawyers, stating: “Under no circumstances can I effectively represent Sean Combs in a manner that meets the standards of the ABA for criminal justice.”

Details of the Case and Resignation

The “Bad Boy” artist was arrested and charged with offenses including sexual trafficking and racketeering in September of last year. He is currently in federal custody awaiting trial and has consistently denied all allegations against him.

Documents obtained by Katya Stone indicate that Ricco “respectfully, but unfortunately, asked Judge Arun Subramanyan to permit him to withdraw from the case,” although the two-page motion did not provide details regarding why Ricco decided to step down.

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The Harlem-born attorney gained recognition for his work on several high-profile cases, including the 1998 embassy bombing, the 2001 case of United States v. Usama Bin Laden, and representing over 45 federal death penalty cases in New York before his practice was suspended.

Anthony Rickko
Anthony Ricco (center) leaves after Judge Arthur Cooperman pronounced an innocent verdict at the trial in the Supreme Court of the state on April 25, 2008, in the Queens area of New York.

Ricco attributed the brevity of his affidavit to not wanting to disclose any information protected by client-attorney privilege, assuring the judge that his resignation would not delay the proceedings.

Scheduled for May 5, Combs “will continue to be represented by five other competent lawyers” in court.

The news of Ricco’s departure came just after a rare legal victory for Combs, as a woman who alleged sexual violence by Diddy and Jay-Z in 2000 voluntarily withdrew her lawsuit last week.

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Initially, a lawsuit was filed in December by Jane Doe, who claimed she was subjected to sexual violence by both artists at the VMA party.

Reactions and Future Implications

Jay-Z, born Sean Carter, has consistently denied the “disgusting” accusations after Doe amended her complaint in December and previously criticized his accuser’s lawyer for “misunderstanding the primary facts.”

Sean "Diddy" Combs
Sean “Diddy” Combs, depicted in 2023.

Combs’ legal team celebrated the news, stating: “In recent months, we have seen how matters involving anonymous individuals have been pushed forward by lawyers focused more on media headlines than on legal merits. Just as this claim was dismissed, we expect others to unravel due to their lack of truth.”

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Meanwhile, earlier this month, reports surfaced that Diddy is facing over 10 new civil lawsuits, according to an attorney representing numerous alleged victims.

Prior to this, he faced accusations of threatening to consume the flesh of a participant in his 2000s music competition, Making the Band.

For additional support, advice, or information on sexual harassment, assault, and rape in the UK, visit Rape Crisis Charity. For assistance in the United States, visit RAINN

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