Why a Brooklyn-bred star defense attorney turned down Diddy after A$AP Rocky acquittal

Star defense attorney Joe Tacopina has represented a US president, a baseball legend and an iconic pop star — but he turned down Sean “Diddy” Combs when the rapper came calling.The Brooklyn-born legal eagle, fresh off getting A$AP Rocky acquitted on gun charges, informed Combs last month that the timing of the blockbuster case didn’t work for him.“I think he has a defensible case,” Tacopina told The Post.He also dismissed speculation that his decision was influenced by his close ties to Jay-Z and Roc Nation, calling such rumors “misconstrued.”Jury selection in Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial continued on Tuesday in Manhattan, with opening arguments scheduled to begin Monday.Combs is alleged to have used his wealth and influence to recruit, exploit, and abuse women, often coercing them into sexual acts through threats, manipulation, or force between 2004 and 2024.He has pleaded not guilty and hired a high-powered legal team that includes Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Brian Steel, Alexandra Shapiro, Xavier Donaldson, Jason Driscoll, Anna Estevao and reportedly Mark Geragos.When asked about the merits of the government’s case against Diddy, Tacopina sounded skeptical.“The entire case, I tell you, rises and falls on consent.

It’s really that simple,” Tacopina said.“I believe the defense has ample evidence of consent, including rare communications that contradict the allegations.That’s my view.”According to Tacopina, federal prosecutors are using the RICO statute, which was originally created to bring down organized crime figures, in order to indict Diddy “for having parties.”Tacopina said that the charges were brought against Diddy so that federal prosecutors could “get their names in the paper” given that the rapper is a “big target.”“I do think he’s getting a raw deal,” Tacopina added.It’s no wonder that Diddy sought Tacopina’s services.

The Brooklyn native is fresh off of one of his biggest triumphs — the ...