Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested at a hotel in New York City by Homeland Security Investigations as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. He voluntarily came to New York in anticipation of the charges and was taken into custody following a grand jury indictment. Combs is expected to be arraigned in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, and the specific charges against him are currently unclear.
His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the decision to prosecute Combs, believing it to be unjust. Agnifilo described Combs as a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, family man, and philanthropist, stating that he is not a criminal and has cooperated with the investigation. Agnifilo requested that judgment be reserved until all the facts are known, as he believes Combs is an innocent man with nothing to hide who looks forward to clearing his name in court.
The arrest comes after Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, sued him for rape and physical abuse in 2023. Ventura accused Combs of routine abuse and mistreatment, including alleging that he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes during their 10-year relationship. She also claimed that Combs raped her in 2018, which led to them settling the lawsuit privately shortly after it was filed. Combs denied the allegations at the time, but surveillance footage later emerged showing him physically abusing Ventura in 2016.
Additional alleged victims have come forward with accusations against Combs, including Joi Dickerson-Neal, who accused him of raping and drugging her in 1991, and Liza Gardner, who accused him of raping her when she was 16 in the early 1990s. Combs is also facing lawsuits involving gang rape, sex trafficking, and racketeering. In March, Homeland Security raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami as part of the sex trafficking investigation, with his sons being seen in handcuffs outside his LA mansion.
Despite the allegations and legal troubles, Combs addressed his behavior in a video shared on Instagram, taking full responsibility for his actions and expressing disgust at his behavior in the footage showing him physically abusing Ventura. He sought professional help, started therapy and rehab, and sought mercy and grace from God. Following the lawsuits and allegations, Combs has faced public scrutiny and legal battles, with his family also being affected by the raids and investigations. The situation remains ongoing as Combs prepares to go to court to face the charges against him.
