Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing another legal dispute, this time involving the attorneys representing him in a civil case.
Three attorneys from New York law firm Sher Tremonte LLP have asked a federal judge to allow them to withdraw from Combs’ $100 million defamation lawsuit.
The lawyers say Combs has failed to pay a substantial portion of his legal fees for more than six months. They also claim communication with the incarcerated music mogul has broken down.
The motion was filed as Combs continues his legal battles from federal prison in New Jersey. He is currently serving a 50-month sentence after being convicted on two counts of transporting people for prostitution.
Attorneys Say Combs Has Not Paid For Months
Michael Tremonte, Erica Wolff and Katie Renzler are seeking permission to end their representation of Combs in the civil lawsuit.
According to the filing, Combs allegedly owes the firm a significant balance. The attorneys say the unpaid amount includes fees, costs and other expenses related to their work.
The filing states that Combs is in “substantial arrears” with the firm.
The attorneys also claim Combs has not made a payment toward the outstanding balance in more than six months.
Their filing raises another concern beyond the unpaid bills. The lawyers say they have struggled to communicate with Combs about the case.
They allege that Combs has not made himself available for direct discussions for more than four months. The attorneys described the situation as a breakdown in their professional relationship.
The filing says their representation had become “unreasonably difficult” because of Combs’ alleged lack of cooperation.
The lawyers are asking the court to approve their withdrawal from the case. The request does not automatically end the lawsuit itself.
Combs Disputes The Lawyers’ Account
Combs is pushing back against the attorneys’ explanation.
Through his spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, Combs said he chose to change attorneys because of concerns about his legal bills.
“I made the decision to switch lawyers because I won’t let anyone take advantage of me by overcharging me and running up bills that were never approved,” Combs said.
“This is strictly a business matter, and any talk about unpaid fees is just part of our dispute over those unapproved charges,” he added.
Michael Tremonte later rejected Combs’ characterization of the dispute.
The attorney said the firm was withdrawing because Combs had not paid his outstanding invoices. He also disputed the claim that the firm had overcharged Combs.
The disagreement now leaves the federal court to determine whether Sher Tremonte can formally withdraw.
The Defamation Case Remains Pending
Combs filed the underlying lawsuit in January 2025 against music manager Courtney Burgess, attorney Ariel Mitchell and Nexstar Media Inc.
The lawsuit centers on allegations Burgess made during an appearance on NewsNation. Combs has denied the allegations and accused the defendants of defamation.
The lawsuit initially sought $50 million in damages. Combs later increased the amount to $100 million, according to recent court reporting.
The case has continued while Combs serves his federal prison sentence.
A separate filing indicates the parties could potentially resolve the dispute through mediation or a settlement conference. A conference addressing the case’s next steps was scheduled for Thursday.
The legal-fee dispute involving Sher Tremonte is separate from Combs’ criminal proceedings.
Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges at his federal trial. He was convicted on two prostitution-related transportation counts.
He was sentenced to 50 months in prison.
The latest development adds another complication to Combs’ extensive legal battles. The court must now decide whether his attorneys can withdraw while the civil case moves forward.