Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted searches on Monday at two properties owned by renowned rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami. The searches were part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York, according to two anonymous law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press. It remains unclear whether Combs himself is the primary target of the investigation.
Homeland Security Investigations released a statement confirming their involvement in the law enforcement actions, which were carried out with the assistance of HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners. Requests for comments from Combs’ legal representatives and other representatives have not been answered at the time of reporting.
Combs has faced multiple sexual assault lawsuits in recent months. In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging that Combs coerced him into soliciting prostitutes and pressured him to engage in sexual activities with them. Combs’ attorney, Shawn Holley, vehemently denied these allegations, stating that they possess substantial evidence proving the claims to be false.
Another lawsuit was filed by Combs’ former protege and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in November. The lawsuit accused Combs of years of sexual abuse, including rape, and claimed that he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.
Additionally, a woman came forward as one of Combs’ accusers, alleging that the rap producer raped her when she was 17, approximately two decades ago. The Associated Press typically refrains from naming individuals who claim to be victims of sexual abuse unless they publicly disclose their identities, as Cassie did. Combs issued a statement denying all the allegations, stating, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is a highly influential figure in the hip-hop industry, having built an empire over the past three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he founded Bad Boy Records and has won three Grammy Awards. Combs has collaborated with numerous top-tier artists, including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112. He also established the fashion clothing line Sean John, launched the Revolt TV channel, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.
