Combs' Lawyers Seek to Exit Defamation Suit Over Unpaid Fees

Sean Combs' attorneys at Sher Tremonte LLP have filed a motion to withdraw from his $100 million defamation lawsuit, citing over six months of unpaid legal fees and a breakdown in communication. The filing, made in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Combs has not paid a substantial balance of fees and has been uncooperative for over four months. Combs, through spokesperson Juda Engelmayer, disputes this account, stating he decided to switch lawyers because the firm overcharged him and billed for unapproved work. "I won't let anyone take advantage of me by overcharging me and running up bills that were never approved," Combs said in a statement. He characterized the disagreement as a business dispute. The law firm's motion, filed by attorney Michael Tremonte, claims that Combs' lack of cooperation has made representation unreasonably difficult. Tremonte stated that the firm has represented Combs zealously and efficiently, and any suggestion of overcharging is false. The firm is also seeking a retaining lien to collect unpaid fees.