Sean “Diddy” Combs is now facing a legal battle with some of his own attorneys.
Three lawyers from Sher Tremonte LLP — Michael Tremonte, Erica Wolff and Katie Renzler — have asked a federal judge to allow them to withdraw from representing the Bad Boy Records founder in one of his ongoing civil cases.
According to a motion filed in federal court in New York, the attorneys claim Diddy has failed to pay a “substantial balance” of legal fees, costs and other expenses associated with the case.
The filing reportedly says Diddy’s last payment came more than six months ago, leaving him in what the attorneys describe as “substantial arrears.”
Lawyers Claim Relationship With Diddy Has Broken Down
Money isn't the only issue being cited.
Diddy’s attorneys also allege that the music mogul has been “unreasonably difficult” and uncooperative, claiming communication between both sides has deteriorated.
The lawyers further accuse Diddy of deliberately disregarding agreements or obligations regarding legal fees and expenses.
They are currently representing Diddy in his lawsuit against Nexstar Media, attorney Ariel Mitchell and Courtney Burgess.
But Diddy is telling a much different story.
Diddy Says He Refused to Pay Charges He Never Approved
Through spokesperson Juda Engelmayer, Diddy pushed back against suggestions that he simply stopped paying his attorneys.
According to Diddy, he decided to replace the lawyers because he believed they were charging him for expenses he had never authorized.
“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.”
Diddy described the situation as “strictly a business matter” and argued that allegations about unpaid legal fees are part of an ongoing dispute over the charges themselves.
In other words, the attorneys say Diddy owes them money. Diddy says some of those bills should never have existed in the first place.
Diddy Previously Paid Millions for Criminal Defense
The dispute comes despite Diddy reportedly spending heavily on his criminal defense team.
Diddy paid approximately $8 million in legal fees connected to his federal criminal trial.
The mogul was ultimately convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution and sentenced to just over four years in federal prison.
He is currently serving his sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey.