Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations and other law enforcement agencies raided properties in Los Angeles and Miami owned by music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday.
The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking conducted by federal authorities in New York. It remains unclear whether Combs is a direct target of the investigation.
Homeland Security Investigations issued a statement saying it “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.”
When approached, the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan chose not to comment on the case.
Attempts to reach Combs’ legal and representative teams for comments have so far gone unanswered.
In the affluent Holmby Hills area near Beverly Hills, a police perimeter was established around Combs’ Los Angeles property. Footage from a helicopter operated by KABC-TV showed several Homeland Security Investigations agents in the backyard near a swimming pool.
A mobile command unit was stationed outside, with agents continually moving in and out of the premises throughout the day.
Combs has faced multiple sexual assault lawsuits in recent months. A lawsuit filed against Combs in February by a music producer accuses him of forcing the producer to engage prostitutes and pressuring him into sexual acts with them.
Combs’ lawyer, Shawn Holley, has disputed these accusations, claiming to have undeniable evidence that the allegations are false.
R&B artist Cassie, who once worked closely with Combs and dated him, filed a lawsuit accusing him of years of sexual abuse, including rape, and of coercing her into sex with male prostitutes while he recorded them. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.
Another accusation against Combs involves a woman who claims he raped her twenty years ago when she was 17.
In response to the allegations, Combs stated in December, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”
Douglas Wigdor, representing Cassie and another accuser, expressed hope that the recent search marks the beginning of holding Combs accountable for his actions.
The connection between the recent property searches and the allegations made in the lawsuits remains uncertain.
Combs has played a pivotal role in the hip-hop industry over the last thirty years, previously known as Puff Daddy. He founded Bad Boy Records and earned three Grammy awards, collaborating with prominent artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige.
Beyond music, Combs has ventured into fashion with the Sean John clothing line, launched the Revolt TV music channel, and produced “Making the Band” for MTV.
His most recent album, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” received a nomination for the best progressive R&B album at the Grammy Awards, following its release shortly after Combs was celebrated at the MTV VMAs.
