Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement officials raided rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs Los Angeles and Miami homes on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation.
“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available,” HSI shared with The Epoch Times in a statement.
Federal agents were reportedly authorized to carry out their search of the 54-year-old’s properties via warrants issued by a Manhattan federal court.
An attorney for Mr. Combs responded to a request for comment with: “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.”
Sexual Assault Allegations
Mr. Combs has been the subject of several sexual assault allegations in recent months.
In February, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a $30 million lawsuit in New York federal court claiming the embattled hip-hop mogul “forcibly touched and attempted and/or threatened to touch” the music producer’s “intimate areas,” among other shocking allegations, according to the complaint.
In November 2023, Mr. Combs and Casandra Ventura settled a lawsuit filed by the R&B singer, who goes by the name Cassie, which included allegations of exploitation, abuse, and mistreatment.
According to a statement, an agreement was reached “to their mutual satisfaction.” However, the terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support,” Ms. Ventura said in a statement, per NPR.
“We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love,” said Mr. Combs.
Following Ms. Ventura’s lawsuit filing, two other women, Liza Gardner and Joie Dickerson-Neal, filed lawsuits against Mr. Combs, alleging he sexually assaulted them. A woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, also claimed that Mr. Combs and two other men sexually assaulted her when she was just 17 years old. Ms. Doe asserted the rapper was 34 at the time of the alleged assault.
In the wake of the allegations, Mr. Combs issued a statement saying: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
A spokesperson for Mr. Combs told NBC News: “The claims involving alleged misconduct against Mr. Combs from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute are all completely denied and rejected by him. He recognizes this as a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for accusers who will falsify the truth, without conscience or consequence, for financial benefit.”
“The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited for improper purposes,” the statement continued. “The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these unsubstantiated allegations.”