Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents conducted raids on two properties belonging to rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in Los Angeles and Miami. The raids come amidst a series of civil lawsuits accusing Combs of s*x trafficking, s*xual abuse and r*pe, all of which he vehemently denies.
Key Details
- The raids are part of an “ongoing investigation” by Federal Homeland Security Investigations, though specific details about the nature of the investigation have not been disclosed.
- Combs has not been formally charged or accused of any crime by federal prosecutors.
- The lawsuits against Combs began in November last year when singer and dancer Casandra Ventura filed a $30 million lawsuit alleging r*pe and abuse. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount later that month.
- Additional lawsuits followed, including allegations of drugging, s*xual assault and participation in gang r*pe, dating back to the 1990s.
- The most recent lawsuit was filed by producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones, accusing Combs of unwanted advances and involvement in s*x trafficking parties.
- Combs denies all allegations, with his attorneys dismissing them as money grabs or baseless claims.
Background:
- The allegations against Combs date back to the 1990s when he founded Bad Boy Records.
- The raids on Combs’ properties occurred in the affluent neighbourhood of Holmby Hills, where he purchased a home for $40 million a decade ago.
- It remains unclear what the next steps in the investigation will be, including whether charges will be filed.
Combs, through his attorneys, has consistently denied the allegations against him, characterising them as baseless and “sickening.” Despite the legal challenges he faces, he has not been criminally charged in connection with the allegations.