Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is going through a major change months before his highly anticipated trial.

One of Diddy’s lawyers, Attorney Anthony Ricco on Friday (Saturday, Philippine time) suddenly backed out amid his client’s looming case in May 2025. 

“Although I have provided Sean Combs with the high level of legal representation expected by the court, under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” Ricco, who joined Diddy’s legal team in September 2024, wrote in his request.

He filed a request to withdraw as the rapper’s legal representative, stating that he could no longer effectively serve as counsel in accordance with the ABA Standards for Criminal Justice.

While the lawyer did not explain further on his reasons for stepping down, it raises questions about the stability of Combs’ defense strategy as the trial approaches.

The request must be approved by a judge before it is finalized. If granted, Combs will need to secure new legal representation before his trial.

The rapper was accused of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.