Diddy’s Lawyer Quits as Rap Mogul Faces Federal Charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs is losing part of his legal defense team as he battles federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Anthony Ricco, one of the attorneys representing the embattled hip-hop mogul, has officially withdrawn from the case, citing an inability to continue serving as counsel.
In a motion filed in New York Federal Court, Ricco made it clear that his departure was necessary, stating, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.” He added that his decision was made after discussions with lead attorney Marc Agnifilo. However, Ricco declined to provide specific details supporting his withdrawal.
Despite stepping away, Ricco assured the court that his departure would not affect the scheduled trial, which remains set for May 5.
Combs, who remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, was arrested in September on serious federal charges. The allegations against him include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and has denied all accusations.
His remaining legal team, led by Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, has been vocal in its defense, calling the charges against Combs baseless. “As Mr. Combs’ legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus,” his attorneys previously stated.
They further emphasized that their client “emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.” His defense team has vowed to prove his innocence in court.
Beyond Ricco’s withdrawal, Combs’ legal battle has taken another controversial turn, with his lawyers accusing prosecutors of racial bias. His attorneys have filed a motion challenging the use of the Mann Act, a federal law originally enacted in 1910 that prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activities.
His legal team argues that this law has historically been used to target Black men while similar actions by white individuals go unpunished. “No white person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution,” Combs’ attorneys claimed in the court filing.
They further stated that the law has been wielded in a discriminatory manner, citing past cases against prominent Black figures like boxer Jack Johnson and rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry. “Combs has been singled out because he is a powerful Black man, and he is being prosecuted for conduct that regularly goes unpunished,” the filing asserts.
As more alleged victims have come forward in civil cases, Combs continues to fight mounting legal battles. His once-iconic status in the music industry has been overshadowed by a wave of accusations and lawsuits.
For now, the trial is moving forward as scheduled, but with one less attorney on Combs’ defense team. Whether his remaining lawyers can successfully challenge the charges or prove bias in the prosecution remains to be seen.
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