Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents, along with other law enforcement officials, conducted searches at two properties owned by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have not confirmed if Combs is the direct target of the investigation.
In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations mentioned that the law enforcement actions were part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment on the matter.
Combs' lawyers and representatives have not responded to requests for comment. A police line was set up around the Los Angeles property in the Holmby Hills neighborhood, where agents from Homeland Security Investigations were seen gathered in the backyard. The investigation is still ongoing, with agents entering and leaving the property hours after the search began.
Several sexual assault lawsuits have been filed against Combs in recent months, including allegations of coercion, pressure to engage in sexual activities, and claims of rape. Combs has denied these allegations, stating that they are "complete lies."
The search and allegations come at a time when the entertainment industry is facing a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, with high-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein, Danny Masterson, and R. Kelly already serving prison sentences for similar charges. The music industry, while not as affected, has seen lawsuits against other prominent figures like Russell Simmons and Steven Tyler.
The investigation into Combs and the allegations against him are ongoing, with no clear indication of how they may impact his career or reputation as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop over the past three decades.