EXCLUSIVE: Diddy’s Ex-Lawyers Say He Owes Over $500K For Just One Lawsuit

Diddy owes $581,893.75 for one defamation case, his former law firm says, and it wants protection against any money he wins.

Sher Tremonte LLP asked Judge John P. Cronan to set that sum as the unpaid balance in his suit against Nexstar, Ariel Mitchell and Courtney Burgess.

The filings put a price on the firm’s work in that case, beyond the lawyer-exit dispute AllHipHop covered and over numerous claims they were defending him against after Tony Buzbee filed at least 50 lawsuits against the imprisoned mogul.

“Exhibit A reflects that Mr. Combs owes Sher Tremonte $581,893.75 in connection with the work performed in this matter,” Michael Tremonte wrote under oath.

The firm says the judge already let it withdraw and granted a retaining lien, which can protect unpaid fees by holding on to Diddy’s case files, which would make it difficult, but not impossible, for another law firm to take over the case.

Sher Tremonte wants that lien fixed at the stated balance, plus a charging lien aimed at any recovery from the defendants in this suit.

The letter states: “Sher Tremonte further requests that its charging lien…be fixed in the same amount.”

Under New York’s lien law, that protection can reach proceeds from a settlement or judgment in a client’s favor.

Against his estimated fortune, that bill is a drop in the bucket:

A September 2026 report puts his wealth at no less than $400 million.

The claimed balance is about 0.15% of that estimate, though a net worth estimate does not establish how much cash he can access.

Diddy previously disputed the firm’s bills through spokesman Juda Engelmayer, saying he had not approved some charges, as AllHipHop reported in October.

The public declaration says a spreadsheet separates this case’s hours and fees, even where descriptions on the original invoices also mention other matters.

That spreadsheet was submitted under seal, so the public filings do not expose its full billing breakdown to inspect.

This claim concerns the Burgess case alone, rather than Diddy’s total legal bills.

The firm told Judge Cronan it would also provide the underlying invoices under seal if he requests them.