A$AP Rocky’s Lawyer Drops Bombshell on Diddy’s Case: Turned It Down Due to Jay-Z Ties

Entertainment
Bente Birkeland
February 26, 2025
9 minutes read

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

High-profile attorney Joe Tacopina, known for representing rapper A$AP Rocky, has made a bombshell revelation about Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering case. During a February 24 appearance on The Breakfast Club, Tacopina disclosed that he was approached to take on Diddy’s legal defense but declined the offer due to his close ties to Jay-Z and Roc Nation.

“I represent Roc Nation; a lot of people in Roc I’m very close with,” Tacopina stated, explaining that his relationship with the entertainment company made it impossible for him to consider working on Diddy’s case.

Loyalty to Roc Nation Over Legal Opportunity

Tacopina, a well-connected attorney in entertainment and sports law, made it clear that his decision was influenced by his deep connections with Roc Nation’s leadership, including Jay-Z, Roc Nation president Desiree Perez, and Jay Brown, told Billboard.

“Jay and [Roc Nation president] Desiree Perez, who’s the most amazing, like—bomb of a boss. Jay is amazing,” Tacopina said. “You know, Jay Brown, all those people are just, like, they really are special, special people. That’s sort of family to me and I don’t think they see eye-to-eye with P. Diddy.”

Diddy Faces Serious Federal Charges

Tacopina’s remarks come as Diddy remains behind bars, facing serious allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. The hip-hop mogul’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with federal investigators alleging that he played a central role in an extensive criminal enterprise.

While Diddy’s legal team has denied all allegations, the case has drawn widespread attention, with speculation about which high-profile lawyers might step in to represent him. Tacopina’s revelation suggests that some of the industry’s top legal minds are distancing themselves from the embattled music mogul.

The Ongoing Fallout

Diddy’s case has already had major ramifications in the entertainment world, as associates and former collaborators reconsider their ties to him. With Roc Nation and Jay-Z’s circle maintaining their distance, it remains unclear who will lead Diddy’s defense as the case moves forward.

Tacopina’s refusal to take the case signals deepening divides within the hip-hop and business elite, as long-standing rivalries and alliances shape the legal battle ahead.