Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in New York City on Monday night by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations, as confirmed by ABC News. The arrest followed a sealed indictment filed by the Southern District of New York (SDNY). U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that more details would be revealed when the indictment is unsealed. Combs was taken into custody at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan and is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday.
Sources say a federal grand jury in Manhattan returned the indictment that led to Combs' arrest, though the specific charges remain undisclosed. Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, criticized the move as an "unjust prosecution" and defended Combs' character, emphasizing his contributions as a music icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Agnifilo noted that Combs had cooperated with the investigation and voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges, urging the public to withhold judgment until the facts are fully revealed.
The arrest stems from a lengthy investigation, including allegations brought against Combs by his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a civil lawsuit. Her lawsuit was followed by at least ten more accusations.
Combs has consistently denied all allegations. Earlier in March, federal agents raided Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami, seizing electronic devices as part of an investigation. These actions were linked to a federal sex trafficking investigation led by SDNY prosecutors, according to law enforcement sources.
Combs, 54, has faced numerous allegations of sexual assault over the past year. Last week, singer Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other offenses. Combs denied the claims. In the same month, Combs was ordered to pay $100 million in a different sexual assault lawsuit, though his legal team intends to challenge the ruling.
In 2023, Casandra Ventura sued Combs, alleging physical and sexual abuse during their relationship. The case was settled later that year, though Combs strongly denied her accusations. Despite his legal troubles, Combs remains a highly influential figure in hip-hop as both a producer and performer.
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