L.A. Reid to Represent Himself in Sexual Assault Case

With less than two weeks before his trial on claims he sexually assaulted former Arista A&R executive Drew Dixon,music mogul Antonio “L.A.” Reid is now representing himself, a federal judge confirmed Tuesday during a status conference in the New York-based civil case.

at the end of the 30-minute video hearing, U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas referred to Reid as “pro se,” meaning he is moving forward without an attorney. This came after the judge approved a request by Reid’s lawyers to withdraw from the case “unconditionally.” In court filings, the lawyers stated Reid – who led Arista, Island Def Jam, and Epic Records – hasn’t paid them since February.

They explained that while Reid owns a mansion in Los Angeles’ Bel-Air neighborhood, he hasn’t been able to sell it, even after lowering the price by several million dollars.

During the hearing, the departing lawyers from Kinsella holley Iser kump Steinsapir LLP promised to help any new attorneys hired by Reid get familiar with the case. They also offered to help with communication between Reid’s business managers and Dixon’s legal team. (The judge had asked the lawyers to remain involved to handle discovery issues before an Aug. 25 status conference.)

“If he does not obtain counsel, what is his current intention with respect to the final pre-trial conference?” Judge