MIAMI, USA – Properties owned by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the prominent music mogul, have been raided by federal agents, marking a dramatic turn in the ongoing investigations into allegations of sex trafficking linked to the rapper and producer.
The raids, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of local law enforcement partners in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, underscore the gravity of the accusations facing Combs.
“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,” a representative for Homeland Security Investigations stated, confirming the multi-city operation targeting Combs’ properties on Monday, March 25, 2024.
The actions come in the wake of two lawsuits alleging sex trafficking, casting a long shadow over Combs’ storied career in the entertainment industry.
Notably, on Monday afternoon, federal law enforcement presence was reported at the rapper’s residence in Los Angeles, accompanied by helicopter surveillance, according to TMZ.
Subsequent coverage by FOX11 captured a distressing scene with Combs’ sons, Justin Combs, 30, and Christian ‘King’ Combs, 25, being detained in handcuffs outside their Beverly Hills home.
As the news broke, representatives for Combs, aged 54, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving many questions unanswered about the specifics of the raids and the ongoing investigation.
Douglas Wigdor, an attorney representing Cassie and Jane Doe—both of whom have previously filed lawsuits against Combs—commented on the development: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”
In recent months, the accusations against Combs have mounted, with five individuals bringing forward claims of sexual assault and related misconduct.
Among them, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, a former producer and videographer for Combs, is seeking $30 million in damages through a lawsuit that alleges over a year of sexual harassment, drugging, and threats by Combs.
The series of accusations against Combs has intensified, with Jane Doe alleging sexual assault, sex trafficking, and gang rape in December 2023, and Joi Dickerson-Neal filing a similar lawsuit in November.
Furthermore, Liza Gardner, another accuser, has come forward with claims dating back over 30 years, involving Combs and Aaron Hall.
In response to the allegations, Combs issued a statement in December, vehemently denying the claims: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” he said.
“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking 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 for the truth.”
The raids and the burgeoning legal challenges represent a critical juncture for Combs, as he confronts both the legal implications and the potential impact on his legacy in the music industry and beyond.
