LOS ANGELES – Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorney issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the recent searches carried out by federal authorities at the rapper’s properties in Los Angeles and Miami. The searches were conducted as part of a sex trafficking investigation, and Combs’ lawyer criticized the use of “military-level force” and declared Combs’ innocence. This is the first response from Combs’ team since the raids took place on Monday.
According to Aaron Dyer, Combs’ attorney, the authorities exhibited excessive force during the searches and mistreated Combs’ children and employees. The searches were conducted by Homeland Security Investigations agents, as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York. However, the specific details of the investigation have not been publicly disclosed.
Dyer’s statement clarified that Combs was not detained and cooperated with authorities. Furthermore, neither Combs nor any of his family members were arrested, and there are no restrictions on their travel. However, NBC News reported that guns were found during the execution of the federal search warrants at Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami.
Dyer strongly criticized the raids, referring to them as an “unprecedented ambush” and a “witch hunt.” He emphasized that there have been no findings of criminal or civil liability related to the allegations made against Combs in several recent sexual abuse lawsuits. Combs’ sons, Justin and Christian “King” Combs, were reportedly handcuffed during the raid at their father’s Los Angeles residence.
The raids occurred at Combs’ multimillion-dollar mansion in the upscale Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles and his waterfront home in Miami. The criminal investigation marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny faced by Combs, who has been the defendant in multiple sexual abuse lawsuits in recent months. Although he settled a lawsuit filed by R&B singer Cassie in November, which alleged years of sexual abuse, including rape, other allegations have been made by individuals who have accused Combs of various forms of sexual misconduct.
Combs, a highly influential figure in the hip-hop industry, has consistently denied all the allegations made against him. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he has achieved great success as a producer and executive, establishing Bad Boy Records and collaborating with many top-tier artists. Despite the ongoing investigation and legal challenges, Combs remains committed to clearing his name and maintaining his innocence.
Note: The article does not mention AP News or any other news company.