Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs finds himself below the glare of federal investigation lights in a improvement that has despatched shockwaves via the leisure trade. Legislation enforcement has confirmed that Combs is the topic of a federal investigation, with allegations starting from intercourse trafficking to drug and firearm-related offenses.
Since November, a number of lawsuits towards Combs have fueled the investigation’s development. Federal officers in Manhattan have already interviewed three girls and a person, with extra interviews scheduled. The interviews contain accusations that embrace intercourse trafficking, sexual assault, and involvement in unlawful narcotics and firearms distribution.
Federal brokers, recognized as Homeland Safety Investigations, wasted no time in executing search warrants on Monday. The raids focused Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami, with the warrants issued out of the Southern District of New York.
Throughout the Los Angeles raid, footage captured the music mogul’s sons, Justin and Christian “King” Combs, being handcuffed by authorities. There was no affirmation relating to whether or not they had been detained or charged.
The specter of an investigation looms giant over Combs following public scrutiny triggered by allegations from his former romantic associate, Cassie Ventura. In a lawsuit filed below the New York Grownup Survivors Act, Ventura accused Combs of bodily and sexual abuse spanning years. The swimsuit was settled on undisclosed phrases the day after submitting.
Subsequently, three different girls have come ahead with lawsuits alleging sexual assault by Combs, two of whom declare they had been minors on the time of the incidents. Lawyer Douglas Wigdor, representing Cassie and Jane Doe, expressed hope that the investigation would maintain Combs accountable for his alleged actions.
Combs vehemently denies all allegations of sexual assault, labeling them as “sickening.” However, the authorized storm continues, with producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones additionally submitting a lawsuit in February, alleging sexual harassment, drugging, and threats by Combs throughout his employment.
Regardless of Combs’ authorized workforce dismissing Jones’ claims as falsehoods, legal professional Tyrone Blackburn, representing Jones and one other accuser, stated he stays resolute in looking for justice. Blackburn affirmed that the federal investigation wouldn’t deter their pursuit of a decision.
Combs’ authorized historical past, albeit much less extreme, has drawn consideration. In 1999, he pleaded responsible to assaulting a file government and acquired anger administration counseling. The identical yr noticed him embroiled within the felony possession of a weapon case linked to a nightclub taking pictures, the place rapper Shyne was in the end convicted.
Combs has additionally confronted skilled repercussions. He stepped down as chairman of media community Revolt, and Hulu shelved plans for a actuality collection that includes his household.