Sher Tremonte Withdraws From Combs’ Defamation Suit Over Unpaid Fees and Communication Breakdown

Key points

• Sher Tremonte LLP filed a motion on Sept. 14, 2026, to withdraw from representing Sean Combs in his civil defamation suit against Nexstar Media, Ariel Mitchell, and Courtney Burgess.
• The firm cited 'substantial arrears' in legal fees, noting Combs has not paid since late 2025, and described a 'total breakdown in cooperation and communication' lasting over four months.
• Combs, via spokesperson Juda Engelmayer, stated he chose to switch lawyers due to 'overcharging' and 'unapproved bills,' framing the split as a business matter rather than a failure to pay.
• Partner Michael Tremonte denied overcharging, stating the firm represented Combs 'zealously and very efficiently' and that the withdrawal was solely due to non-payment and lack of cooperation.
• Combs is currently serving a 50-month federal sentence for prostitution-related convictions, with a scheduled release in February 2028, and has retained Jonathan Davis to continue defending him in the defamation case.

Background

This development follows Combs' July 2025 conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, for which he is serving a 50-month sentence at a New Jersey federal facility. He was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges. The defamation suit, filed in January 2025 and amended in August 2025 to seek $100 million in damages, targets allegations made on the NewsNation show 'Banfield' regarding drug use and sexual misconduct. A judge recently denied a motion to dismiss the case, keeping it active despite the change in legal representation.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone and NBC News both report the withdrawal as driven by unpaid fees and lack of cooperation, quoting the firm's declaration that Combs has been 'uncooperative' for over four months. USA Today emphasizes the specific timeline, noting the last payment was for late 2025 expenses. While the firm portrays the split as a result of Combs' non-payment, Combs' spokesperson frames it as a mutual decision based on disputed billing, with Tremonte explicitly denying any overcharging. All sources agree that Combs has retained Jonathan Davis to continue the case, with Davis stating he faces no resistance from the client.

Why it matters

The withdrawal highlights the logistical and financial challenges of representing high-profile clients in federal custody. It raises questions about the continuity of legal defense in major civil litigation and the potential impact on Combs' $100 million defamation claim. The dispute over fees and communication also reflects the ongoing tensions between Combs and his legal team, which could affect the strategy and timeline of the case.

What to watch

Sher Tremonte LLP will formally withdraw from the case, and Jonathan Davis will assume full representation. The defamation suit against Nexstar Media, Ariel Mitchell, and Courtney Burgess will proceed without a set trial date. Combs' release from federal custody is scheduled for February 2028, though good behavior could accelerate this.