Joe Tacopina Denies Representing Diddy Amid Sex Trafficking Allegations

NEW YORK, NY — Following his recent legal triumph for rapper A$AP Rocky, attorney Joe Tacopina spoke with The Breakfast Club on February 24, discussing various high-profile cases and controversies, including the ongoing legal troubles of Sean Combs, better known as Diddy. Tacopina revealed he was approached to represent Combs but declined due to his close ties with Roc Nation.

“I represent Roc Nation; a lot of people in Roc I’m very close with,” Tacopina stated. He highlighted his strong relationships with Jay-Z and Roc Nation president Desiree Perez, calling them ‘special people’ and likening them to family. He added, “I don’t think they see eye to eye with P. Diddy.” The lawyer’s comments cast doubt on the nature of Diddy and Jay-Z’s relationship, which has frequently been a topic of speculation.

During the interview, Tacopina explained the perception many have regarding Jay-Z and Diddy’s camaraderie over the years. He noted, “Everyone wants a picture with P. Diddy at one time or another when they went to a party. But when things got real, years and years ago, he didn’t see eye to eye with P. Diddy.” Tacopina’s assessment was prompted by host Charlamagne Tha God, who sought clarification on the seemingly close friendship between the two moguls.

Not long before Tacopina’s appearance, serious accusations against Diddy surfaced. On February 14, a lawsuit was filed accusing Jay-Z and Diddy of drugging and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Jay-Z responded publicly to the accusations categorically denying them, calling the claims “frivolous and fictitious.” He emphasized that the lawsuit was without merit and stated, “I would not wish this experience on anyone.”

Diddy, who was arrested in September 2024, faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, described the prosecution as unjust and underscored Diddy’s cooperation with law enforcement. Agnifilo stated, “These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”

The alleged criminal activities attributed to Diddy include claims of running a criminal enterprise driven by his need for sexual gratification and using intimidation tactics against his accusers. Prosecutors assert that if convicted on all charges, Diddy could face life imprisonment.

Billboard reached out to representatives for Diddy and Roc Nation for comment but has not yet received a response. Tacopina’s discussion of the ongoing legal issues surrounding Diddy highlights the complex web of relationships and rivalries within the music industry.

While the interview mostly revolved around Tacopina’s recent legal work and strategies that led to A$AP Rocky’s acquittal in his own trial earlier this month, it also served as an interesting insight into the dynamics between some of the industry’s most prominent figures amid serious allegations. The trial for Diddy is set to begin in May.