Some reason for the withdrawal is not apparent in the brief application that Ricco submitted to the federal court in New York on Friday and which Variety has obtained.
"Although I have provided Sean Combs with the high level of legal representation expected by the court, I can under no circumstances continue to function as counsel for Sean Combs", the attorney writes.
He also notes that he has sufficient grounds, protected by applicable attorney-client practices, to be brief in his request to be relieved of his duties.
Ricco's application must be approved by the judge, but according to the attorney, his withdrawal will not cause any delay in the jury selection or the trial itself.
Anthony Ricco was assigned to defend Sean "Diddy" Combs shortly after he was arrested in September last year, accused by over 120 people of, among other things, rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation.
Combs is being held in custody in New York awaiting the trial against him, which begins on May 5.
