Sean “Diddy” Combs, the 54-year-old rapper and music mogul, has been arrested in New York at the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan, though the exact charges remain unclear due to a sealed indictment.
US attorney Damian Williams, representing the Southern District of New York (SDNY), stated that more details would be revealed when the document is unsealed.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment at the decision, labeling the prosecution unjust and emphasizing that Combs has been cooperative throughout the investigation.
He urged the public to withhold judgment until all facts are presented, maintaining that Combs intends to clear his name in court.
The arrest comes amid a series of lawsuits and an ongoing federal investigation into Combs, including allegations of sexual assault.
Attorneys representing some of the accusers welcomed the arrest, stating that it marks a significant step toward justice for the victims.
Lawyers Rodney Diggs and Tyrone Blackburn noted that the evidence against Combs is strong and that this development is crucial for achieving justice for their clients and other alleged victims of Combs’ actions.
The federal investigation into Combs was made public earlier in 2024 when authorities executed search warrants at his properties in Los Angeles and Miami.
The investigation covers a range of serious accusations, including sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.
These developments stem from an SDNY warrant, which has been key in gathering evidence for the case against Combs.
One of the most prominent allegations came from R&B singer Cassie, who sued Combs in 2023 for years of abuse, including physical violence and rape.
Though the lawsuit was settled, Combs later apologized after a video surfaced showing him allegedly assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
This lawsuit sparked additional claims against Combs, including accusations from two other women of sexual assault and a music producer who alleged he was coerced into soliciting prostitutes and engaging in sexual acts.
Combs, who rose to fame as Puff Daddy during the 1990s East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, has always denied most of these allegations.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, he remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, known for his work with the Notorious B.I.G. and his impact as a producer and music executive.
