Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense attorney Anthony Ricco has filed a motion to withdraw from representing the mogul in his ongoing criminal sex-trafficking and racketeering case, stating "Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs."

Ricco's withdrawal requires judicial approval, and while he hasn't provided specific reasons for his departure, he indicated the brief nature of his request stems from attorney-client privilege considerations. The decision came after discussions with Combs' lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo.

The trial is scheduled to begin May 5, with Ricco assuring the court his departure won't cause delays as Combs retains five other attorneys. Currently held without bail since his September arrest following federal raids, Combs faces potential life imprisonment if convicted.

The 54-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges of drugging women and forcing them into sex work. Beyond the criminal case, Combs faces approximately 40 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and drugging, though one recent case involving Jay-Z was withdrawn. Combs and his legal team continue to deny all allegations.

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