Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been arrested in Manhattan on unspecified federal charges, according to prosecutors . The arrest follows raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami in March as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the decision to pursue charges, calling it an “unjust prosecution”. Agnifilo stated that Combs is an “innocent man” and “a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist” who has spent 30 years building his empire and uplifting the Black community.
The musician has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and abuse, including from his ex-partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Ventura filed a lawsuit in November 2023, accusing Combs of rape and a decade of abuse, Combs has denied all allegations against him.
Combs faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, confirmed the arrest and plans to unseal the indictment.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted raids on Combs’ properties in March as part of the sex trafficking probe. Combs was stopped at a Miami airport and handed over electronics to authorities.
Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits, including allegations of raping an underage girl and attempting to “groom” a producer. A former producer, Rodney Jones Jr., filed a lawsuit in February alleging unwanted sexual advances ยน.
The New York Adult Survivors Act allowed victims to file claims after the statute of limitations expired ยน. Many lawsuits were filed shortly before the act’s expiration.
Combs’ legal troubles began in November 2023, and this arrest marks the latest development in the ongoing investigation.
