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Diddy
Ex-Attorney Exits Due to Legal Strategy Dispute
Published February 21, 2025 7:01 PM PST
Sean “Diddy” Combs has lost a member of his legal team ahead of a federal trial, as a result of disagreements concerning his defense strategy. Information gathered indicates that the split was due to unresolved tensions within the team regarding the approach to the charges against him.
Reports from sources close to the situation detail that Anthony Ricco has stepped away from representing Diddy after a prolonged conflict with lead attorney Marc Agnifilo. This internal dispute reportedly focused on how best to address the allegations contained within the federal indictment, particularly those related to sex trafficking.
Ricco’s announcement to the court on Friday morning that he could no longer provide effective legal representation for Diddy has raised eyebrows, particularly since the filing did not specify the precise reasons for his resignation.
The crux of the disagreement seemingly revolves around the handling of sex trafficking allegations. Lead attorney Agnifilo has vehemently contested these charges, asserting that any encounters were consensual among all parties involved. As previously reported, he pursued a motion to dismiss count 3 of the indictment, which pertains to the Mann Act. This act regulates the transportation of individuals for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate Ricco grew increasingly frustrated by his inability to communicate directly with Diddy regarding their legal strategy, feeling that his insights were being hindered by other legal team members. Compounding this issue, Ricco expressed skepticism about their readiness for trial, scheduled for May 5, and advocated for more time to prepare. This perspective clashed with that of his co-counsel, leading to heightened tensions that ultimately resulted in Ricco’s departure.
Despite this shake-up, associates of Diddy maintain that the remaining legal team members, Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, have been a cohesive and effective unit and are well-prepared for the upcoming trial. They believe that Ricco’s exit will not impede Diddy’s defense.
Diddy’s representatives have yet to provide any comment on the situation. Agnifilo has publicly expressed a desire to proceed to trial expeditiously. In his recent communication to the judge, Ricco affirmed that his leaving would not delay the defense process for Diddy, emphasizing the confidence in the team moving forward.
Source
www.tmz.com