Sean 'Diddy' Combs responds as his lawyers accuse him of unpaid legal fees

Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing back after his lawyers claimed he has not paid them in more than six months.

Attorneys from Sher Tremonte LLP filed a motion on Monday, September 14, seeking to withdraw from the rapper’s ongoing $100 million defamation lawsuit over unpaid legal fees. Combs filed the lawsuit in January 2025 against Nexstar Media, attorney Ariel Mitchell and accuser Courtney Burgess after accusing them of making false claims about him, including allegations that he sexually assaulted minors and celebrities at his “freak off” parties.

Combs — who has been behind bars since September 2024 — addressed the claims in a statement to USA Today through his representative Juda Engelmayer.

“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,” he said. “This is strictly a business matter, and any talk about unpaid fees is just part of our dispute over those unapproved charges.”

According to the firm, Combs, 56, has not made a payment in more than six months and still owes a “substantial balance of attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses.” His lawyers also alleged that his lack of communication and cooperation has caused a breakdown in their relationship.

However, Engelmayer said Combs’ longtime civil litigator Jonathan Davis has faced “no resistance from the client in defending him.” Davis is expected to continue representing Combs in other legal matters, including a planned libel suit against NewsNation.

The $100 million defamation case against Nexstar Media, attorney Ariel Mitchell and accuser Courtney Burgess remains open.

No trial date has been set.