Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs have asked a US court to let them withdraw from representing him in a $100m defamation lawsuit, citing months of unpaid bills and a breakdown in communication. The dispute matters because Combs is serving a 50-month federal prison sentence and faces several ongoing civil cases and allegations.

Sher Tremonte said Combs owed a substantial balance and had been unavailable for meaningful discussions for four months, making effective representation impossible. Combs said he dismissed the firm over allegedly unauthorised and excessive charges, while the firm denied overcharging; the article also notes other active lawsuits and possible further sexual-assault charges.