The Department of Homeland Security has verified that law enforcement officers carried out searches at establishments in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York that have been linked to musician and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs, as reported by local media outlets.
On Monday, NBC News and local stations in Los Angeles and Miami were the first to report on the events taking place at Combs’s properties. According to two law enforcement officials, agents from Federal Homeland Security Investigations and other members of law enforcement were conducting searches of the properties in relation to a sex trafficking investigation led by federal authorities in New York.
It is unclear if Combs was the focus of the inquiry. The authorities were not permitted to disclose specific information regarding the investigation and shared with the AP confidentially.
The specific cause for the raids was not known. In response to inquiries from the Guardian, Homeland Security Investigations stated that earlier today, they conducted law enforcement operations in New York as part of a continuing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement agencies. The department did not disclose the subject of the investigation.
The artist is currently dealing with several lawsuits regarding accusations of sexual assault and sex trafficking. In the previous year, he reached a settlement in a case brought by his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, who accused him of both physical and sexual abuse throughout their relationship. Another individual has come forward claiming that the artist, along with two others, raped her when she was 17, over 20 years ago. Producer Rodney Jones has also accused the artist of sexual assault and coercion, including forcing him to hire sex workers and participate in sexual acts with them.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Jones is suing Combs for allegedly using his connections to celebrities like Prince Harry to lure guests to parties involving sex trafficking. While the lawsuit specifically mentioned the Duke of Sussex as someone Combs had access to, he is not being accused of any wrongdoing in Jones’s complaint.
Combs has refuted the accusations. His lawyers have submitted legal papers addressing the accusation that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old, arguing for the case to be dismissed. They assert that he has never engaged in, observed, or had any knowledge of any improper behavior towards the plaintiff whatsoever.
According to sources who wished to remain anonymous, NBC stated that individuals in Manhattan have been questioned by federal authorities and more interviews are planned. These interviews are regarding accusations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and involvement in the illegal distribution of drugs and weapons. The US attorney’s office in Manhattan’s spokesperson has chosen not to make a statement.
The Guardian has not received a response from Combs’ lawyer after requesting a comment.
Ignore the advertisement for the newsletter.
after newsletter promotion
Footage from KABC, a TV news channel in the area, displayed police officers bearing arms while entering a residence located in Holmby Hills, LA. KABC reported that the property was associated with Combs’s enterprise, Bad Boy Entertainment.
Combs has been a highly influential figure in the world of hip-hop, both as a producer and an executive, for the last thirty years. He is most famously known for his previous stage name, Puff Daddy, and for creating a successful hip-hop empire under this moniker. A number of entities have been associated with Combs and his brand, the most notable being Bad Boy Records. He is a three-time recipient of the Grammy Award and has collaborated with many renowned artists such as Notorious BIG, Mary J Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.
Source: theguardian.com
