Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of the biggest names in hip-hop, was arrested late Monday in New York, where he is now facing a sealed criminal indictment. While the details of the charges have not yet been publicly released, Combs has been under scrutiny for months following numerous allegations of sexual assault made by several women.
Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, confirmed that federal agents had taken Combs into custody and announced plans to unseal the indictment on Tuesday. In response, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment in the decision, calling the prosecution unjust. He noted that Combs had returned to New York the previous week, anticipating the charges. “He is not perfect, but he is not a criminal,” Agnifilo stated.
The arrest took place in the lobby of a Manhattan hotel, and Combs is now being held in federal custody. A person familiar with the situation, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, revealed that the arrest marks a significant but not entirely unexpected development in Combs’ case.
This legal action comes after a raid by Homeland Security agents at Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami homes in March. His attorney, Aaron Dyer, had criticized the raid, describing it as an unnecessary display of force and reiterating Combs’ innocence.
Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy, became a dominant figure in the 1990s hip-hop scene as a producer and close associate of the Notorious B.I.G., who was tragically killed in 1997. Over the years, Combs’ public persona softened, and he became known for hosting glamorous parties and his business ventures, including fashion and spirits. However, his reputation took a sharp downturn in November when Cassie, a former protégé and girlfriend, filed a lawsuit accusing him of years of sexual abuse.
Cassie’s lawsuit, filed in November, alleged that Combs subjected her to beatings, rape, and forced sexual encounters. She also claimed that Combs engaged in sex trafficking, coercing her into sex acts in multiple locations. Cassie further accused Combs of trafficking male sex workers, whom he pressured her to sleep with while he filmed. The case was settled a day after the filing, but it led to a series of other allegations that painted a disturbing picture of Combs’ personal life.
In May, leaked footage surfaced showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway, further intensifying the backlash against him. The video led to widespread condemnation, with Combs issuing a public apology, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
Additional lawsuits soon followed, with at least six other women stepping forward to accuse Combs of sexual misconduct. Among these was a music producer who claimed that Combs coerced him into soliciting prostitutes and pressured him into sexual activities. Another woman, who filed her lawsuit in February, alleged that Combs raped her two decades ago when she was just 17. April Lampros, a college student in 1994, claimed in her lawsuit that Combs subjected her to a series of terrifying sexual encounters that lasted for years.
While Combs and his legal team have consistently denied these allegations, the lawsuits have had severe repercussions on his career and public image. Although authorities have not explicitly stated that the lawsuits triggered the criminal investigation, Combs’ attorney has suggested that the federal case is based on these civil suits, which he called meritless.
As the founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs has been a pivotal figure in hip-hop, working with renowned artists like Mary J. Blige, Usher, and Lil’ Kim. His business ventures outside of music, including his Sean John fashion line and lucrative partnerships with private-label spirits, have also contributed to his success. However, the fallout from the allegations and the release of the hotel video have dealt significant blows to his business and public standing.
Combs has faced further professional setbacks, including losing key allies and partnerships. Howard University distanced itself from the rapper, and he was asked to return the key to the city of New York by the mayor.
With the indictment set to be unsealed, more details will likely emerge regarding the charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs, marking a new chapter in the legal saga surrounding the once-untouchable hip-hop mogul.
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