On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security stated that they have conducted raids on properties located in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. Various local news sources have linked these properties to the famous rapper and executive Sean “Diddy” Combs.
On Monday, NBC News and local stations in Los Angeles and Miami were the first to report on the events taking place at Combs’s properties. According to two law enforcement sources from the Associated Press, agents from Federal Homeland Security Investigations and other law enforcement agencies were conducting searches as part of a sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York.
It is uncertain if Combs was the focus of the inquiry. The individuals were not permitted to disclose specifics of the investigation and spoke with the Associated Press under the agreement of anonymity.
The specific cause for the raids was not clear. In response to inquiries from the Guardian, Homeland Security Investigations stated that earlier today, they carried out law enforcement actions with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners as part of an ongoing investigation. The department did not disclose the focus of the investigation.
The artist is currently involved in several legal battles for claims of sexual assault and sex trafficking. He reached a settlement last year with his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, who accused him of physical and sexual abuse throughout their relationship. Another accusation against Combs claims that 20 years ago, when she was 17, he and two other men raped a woman. Producer Rodney Jones has also accused Combs of sexual assault and coercion to hire sex workers and engage in sexual activities with them.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Jones’s legal claim stated that Combs’s connections with famous individuals, including Prince Harry, attracted attendees to parties where sex trafficking occurred. Although the lawsuit specifically mentioned him as someone with whom Combs had connections, there are no allegations of wrongdoing against the Duke of Sussex.
Combs has refuted the accusations. His lawyers have submitted legal papers requesting the dismissal of the lawsuit, citing that he has “never been involved in, witnessed, or has knowledge of any sexual or other misconduct towards the plaintiff in any capacity.”
According to NBC, anonymous sources say that officials in Manhattan have conducted interviews and plan to interview more individuals regarding accusations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and involvement in illegal activities such as distributing drugs and firearms. The US attorney’s office in Manhattan has chosen not to comment.
The Guardian’s request for comment from the Combs’ lawyer has not been responded to yet.
after newsletter promotion
According to KABC, a nearby TV news station, footage captured armed law enforcement officers entering a Holmby Hills residence in Los Angeles. The station reported that the property was linked to Bad Boy Entertainment, a company owned by Combs.
Reworded: Combs has been a highly influential figure in the world of hip-hop production and leadership for over thirty years. Formerly recognized as Puff Daddy, he created one of the largest empires within the hip-hop industry, with numerous entities connected to his renowned name. He is the creator of Bad Boy Records and has been honored with three Grammy awards for his collaborations with prestigious artists such as Notorious BIG, Mary J Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.
Source: theguardian.com
