Anthony Ricco, one of the lawyers representing rapper Sean Diddy in the sex-trafficking case, announced that he would not remain associated with the case, under any circumstances. Without clarifying what exactly happened, Ricco issued a mysterious statement. “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs. It is respectfully but regrettably requested that the court grant the relief requested,” Ricco wrote in his Manhattan federal court filing. Diddy has six defense attorneys and Ricco said he already spoke with lead counsel Marc Agnifilo.
“Without violating any aspect of the attorney/client privilege, or otherwise providing any details whatsoever on the grounds supporting the application, the government has been notified of the filing of the motion to withdraw as counsel,” the filing states. “The government takes no position on the motion seeking withdrawal of counsel for Sean Combs.”
What happened that Ricco had to exit the case
Diddy faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation for engagement in prostitution. Arrested in last September, the music mogul will face trial starting from May 5 and in all these months, none of his bail pleas has been accepted — so serious the charges are. Diddy pleaded not guilty to the charges while hundreds of victims came forward with their stories of abuse at the hands of Diddy and his celebrity friends at freak-off parties.
Stakes are high as the legal team of Diddy has this uphill task to prove that Diddy is innocent. The exit of Ricco hints that his legal team is struggling or there are cracks inside the team which are now surfacing as the trial date approaches.
Ricco said he would not provide any details in support of his application and that the government prosecutors had already been notified about it and they didn’t take a stance. He said his exit won’t affect the schedule of the case.
