Renowned hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs has been arrested in New York City, United States on federal charges.
According to CBS, the arrest follows raids on his Los Angeles and Miami properties earlier this year as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking by US authorities.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment over the arrest, maintaining that his client is “an innocent man.”
The music mogul, known for his numerous hits and ventures in the entertainment industry, has faced multiple allegations, including sexual assault and abuse, most notably from his ex-partner, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura. He has denied all accusations.
The arrest was confirmed by US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, who revealed that Combs was taken into custody based on a sealed indictment.
“Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY,” Williams said in a statement.
Further details of the charges are expected to be made public when the indictment is unsealed.
Combs has been entangled in a series of civil lawsuits, with allegations ranging from rape to sex trafficking. Among these is a case involving a minor, as well as accusations from his former producer, Rodney Jones Jr., who alleged that Combs attempted to make unwanted sexual advances.
His properties were raided in March 2024 as part of these investigations, with Combs reportedly cooperating with authorities at the time.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Combs’ legal team remains confident. “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution,” said Agnifilo, adding, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
The rapper’s legal troubles escalated in November 2023 when Ms. Ventura filed a lawsuit accusing him of abuse.
Several other women followed with similar claims. While Combs has consistently denied the allegations, a civil lawsuit in December alleged that he and two other men had trafficked a 17-year-old girl. His legal team labelled the lawsuits as “money grabs.”
Combs, who has gone by various stage names such as Puff Daddy, P Diddy, and Brother Love, is considered one of rap’s most successful and influential figures.
However, with his arrest and the unsealing of charges looming, the music mogul now faces the battle of his life to clear his name.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
