Feds Raid Homes Of Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Federal law enforcement conducted raids of two different homes owned by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday in connection with a trafficking investigation, executing search warrants from the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
Combs, 54, has been accused by several women and one man of trafficking and assault, according to multiple civil lawsuits filed against him last year. Law enforcement has also confirmed that the rapper is being accused of illegal weapons distribution and drug distribution. The civil lawsuits were filed near the deadline for the one-year moratorium of New York’s statute of limitations, which was temporarily extended under the New York Adult Survivors Act.
According to multiple news outlets, agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carried out the raids at Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday. These raids were the latest step in a federal investigation into his alleged crimes.
NBC News noted in its reporting that, according to a source familiar with the probe, federal investigators had interviewed three women and one man in relation to allegations of trafficking, assault “and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.” The outlet also explained that investigators plan to interview three more individuals.
The raid in Los Angeles was filmed by a news helicopter, prompting questions about the federal government’s decision to contact the media and tip them off about its plans. In the footage, several individuals were seen in handcuffs outside Combs’ home, including the rapper’s sons, 30-year-old Justin and 25-year-old King.
Social media has already begun comparing Combs to deceased trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, with the conservative hosts of the PBD Podcast deeming him “the Epstein of hip-hop.”
On Monday evening, DHS issued a statement about the raids, which read: “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.”
Meanwhile, Combs previously denied the allegations against him in a response to the wave of civil lawsuits filed last year.
“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” the rapper wrote in a statement in December, adding: “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looks 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 the truth.”
Combs’ legal team has responded to the raids by asserting their client’s innocence and condemning DHS’ actions as an “unprecedented ambush.”
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” attorney Aaron Dyer stated. “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.”
“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations,” he added. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
It is unclear as of Tuesday evening where Combs is, as some reports indicate that his plane was seen traveling to the Caribbean, touching down in the Bahamas, around the time of the raids — though it is not apparent whether the rapper was onboard. He was last seen in Miami on Monday.
