According to a law enforcement source who spoke with CNN, search warrant action at the residences of producer and musician Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday was connected to a continuing investigation into sex trafficking. Due to the delicate nature of the inquiry, the insider would not say if Combs was the specific target. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations New York acknowledged that it had “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation” in response to reports of raids at Combs’ residences. According to CNN correspondents on the scene, law enforcement was spotted at two of Combs’ residences on Monday: one in the Miami region and the other in Los Angeles.
According to HSI New York, local law enforcement, HSI Miami, and HSI Los Angeles all provided support in this action. “We will furnish additional details as they become accessible,” the law enforcement division informed CNN. The US Department of Homeland Security’s principal investigative division, HSI, is in charge of looking into threats and transnational crimes, including human trafficking. Carlos Suarez of CNN was informed by an HSI Miami spokesman that the police conduct amounted to a “search warrant execution.” It’s unclear at this time if Combs or other locals are the intended targets of the police activity. CNN has contacted Combs’s agents to request a statement. Multiple armed law enforcement personnel were seen strolling around Combs’ Los Angeles home’s grounds in aerial imagery. Agents were processing documents on card tables at his Miami area home and the Los Angeles home, both of which had mobile command post vehicles visible. Considering the extent of the properties, it will probably take some time to find and process the evidence.
Combs (54), also known by his stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy, started the record company Bad Boy in 1993. Combs, who is recognized for his contributions to the development of the hip-hop genre, has received 14 nominations and three Grammy awards during his career. Although Combs first found fame with his music, he also rose to prominence as a producer and businessman. The incident comes after months of controversy for Combs, however it is unclear if Monday’s law enforcement action is connected. Combs resolved a lawsuit filed in November 2023 by singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, his ex-girlfriend, who claimed Combs had sexually assaulted her and mistreated her repeatedly over a period of years. “A choice to resolve a lawsuit, particularly in 2023, is not an acknowledgement of misconduct,” Combs’ lawyer Ben Brafman stated in a statement to CNN at the time. “Mr. Combs’ choice to resolve the litigation does not contradict his categorically asserted denial of the allegations in any way. He’s glad they were able to come to an amicable agreement and hopes the best for Ms. Ventura.
A few weeks later, Combs was the target of at least two more civil cases brought in New York, one of which was brought in federal court in December and contained accusations of sex trafficking in addition to the charges of sexual assault. In reaction to the December lawsuit, Combs stated, “I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation, and my legacy.” I’ve been the target of horrifying accusations from people hoping to get rich quick. To be crystal clear, I did not do any of the horrible things that are being said. I’ll stand up for the truth, my family, and my name. In a separate civil case brought by a former male employee last month, Combs was accused of sexual assault and harassment. Combs, via his counsel, refuted the allegations.