Federal officials descended upon the Los Angeles and Miami residences of rap mogul Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, on Monday as part of a sex trafficking investigation, confirmed by a law enforcement source to media. The raid comes four months after singer Cassie accused Diddy of sexual assault and sex trafficking.
Agents from Homeland Security, accompanied by helicopters, swarmed Diddy’s Los Angeles mansion, where some individuals, later identified as his sons, were detained outside. Simultaneously, officials were present at his Miami residence. Diddy, reportedly in Florida then, had his phones seized before a scheduled trip to the Caribbean.
According to a source, investigators from the Southern District of New York have interviewed several accusers as part of a probe into alleged sex trafficking, domestic violence, and racketeering, with more interviews scheduled.
Responding to the raid, a Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson stated, “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.”
Representatives for Cassie Ventura and a Jane Doe accuser expressed support for law enforcement’s actions, with attorney Tyrone Blackburn, representing two accusers, remarking, “It’s about damn time.”
The Feds just raided Diddy's home in LA, good lord. pic.twitter.com/qEFrO6jENP
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 25, 2024
The investigation’s connection to civil lawsuits against Diddy in the past four months remains unclear. However, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani suggests Diddy may face significant legal challenges if the Southern District of New York brings a case against him.
The allegations against Combs, including claims of sexual assault and violence, surfaced last year when Cassie filed a complaint accusing him of subjecting her to abuse and sex trafficking. Diddy has denied wrongdoing in each case but faced repercussions such as stepping down from leadership roles in his media and liquor ventures.
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, but the allegations against Diddy continue to reverberate through the entertainment industry.
#TMZ has the first video of #Diddy after his homes were raided by the feds Monday — he was caught pacing around Miami airport. https://t.co/F84js7uo79 pic.twitter.com/vGSlxBrtNX
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 26, 2024