March 26, 2024–Federal agents searched two homes belonging to music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday in relation to a federal investigation into sex trafficking, sexual assault, drug, and firearms allegations.
According to NBC News, firearms were found at both residences. NBC also reported that “HSI confirmed in a statement that it ‘executed law enforcement actions’ in New York as part of an ongoing investigation, along with teams in Los Angeles and Miami.
News video of the raids shows two of his adult sons, Justin Combs (30) and Christian Combs (25), in handcuffs, although neither was taken into custody. Combs was not at either residence during the raids and was last seen on Monday afternoon pacing outside the customs office of the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.
On Tuesday, Diddy’s attorney, Aaron Dyer, spoke to TMZ: “Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.
This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
According to TMZ, information from people who recently filed lawsuits against Combs’ led to the raids. In November, Combs’ settled a civil suit filed by his former girlfriend and artist, Cassie (Casandra Ventura).
“Since then, three other women have come forward with lawsuits in the Southern District of New York alleging that they were sexually assaulted by Combs. Two of the women said they were teenagers at the time of the alleged assaults,” according to NBC News.