Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested Monday night at Manhattan’s Park Hyatt Hotel, his attorney confirmed to CNN. Homeland Security Investigations took Combs into custody, according to a source familiar with the surrender negotiations.
Legal Background
Combs, who has faced multiple sexual assault lawsuits and a federal human trafficking probe over the past year, now awaits further details. The specific charges remain unclear, pending an indictment expected to be unveiled Tuesday morning by Damian Williams, US attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Attorney’s Statement
“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the US Attorney’s Office,” Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ attorney, told CNN.
He further emphasized, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person but is not criminal.”
Investigation Overview
HSI, the Department of Homeland Security’s lead investigative arm, handles transnational crimes such as human trafficking and terrorism. Combs has been in New York since last week, with ongoing negotiations for his surrender. A grand jury indicted him on Thursday, September 12, as per sources.
Agnifilo urged the public to “please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
Cooperation and Innocence
Combs’ attorney stated that the musician has cooperated with the investigation, even relocating to New York voluntarily in anticipation of the charges. His legal team maintains his innocence, asserting he has “nothing to hide.”
Investigation Scope
Earlier this year, HSI targeted Combs in a months-long sex trafficking probe, leading to searches of his Los Angeles and Miami residences in March. The investigation expanded beyond sexual assault allegations to include money laundering and illegal drugs.
Civil Lawsuits
Since last November, Combs has faced ten lawsuits, nine alleging sexual assault. Former accusers have cooperated with federal investigators, indicating a broader probe into his activities. Notably, Dawn Richard recently filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of multiple offenses, which his attorney denied, suggesting a financial motive.
Public Reaction
Aubrey O’Day, another former Danity Kane member, shared her response on social media, stating, “The purpose of Justice is to provide an ending and allow us the space to create a new chapter. Women never get this. I feel validated. Today is a win for women all over the world, not just me. Things are finally changing.”
Combs’ Apology
In a video statement, Combs expressed regret over past actions, saying, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f**ked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.” He continued, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I am disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”
Legal Representatives Respond
Attorney Tyrone Blackburn, representing three accusers, labeled the arrest “long-awaited” and stated,“We leave the criminal aspect of this case in the hands of the people and justice system,” attorney Tyrone Blackburn said in a statement Monday night. “As for the civil cases, we await our time for the facts to reveal themselves and seek the justice our clients deserve.”
Shawn Holley, Combs’ attorney, dismissed allegations by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones as “a liar,” stating, “His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines. We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”
Ongoing Legal Battles
In addition to criminal charges, Combs faces a lawsuit naming him as a defendant, where his son, Christian Combs, is accused of sexual assault by a yacht crew member.
