(Scypre.com) – Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested on Monday in New York City, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The arrest took place at the Park Hyatt hotel on West 57th Street, where Combs had been residing for several weeks. The rapper and music mogul was apprehended by federal agents based on a sealed indictment from the Southern District of New York, which is expected to be unsealed soon. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams confirmed the arrest, but no specific charges were immediately revealed.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the arrest, noting that Combs had voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges. Agnifilo described his client as a music icon, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and family man who has spent decades building his empire. He emphasized that Combs has cooperated with the investigation and looks forward to clearing his name in court.
Combs, 54, has faced several lawsuits since November, including one filed by his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, who accused him of years of physical and sexual abuse. Though her lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed, it ignited a series of legal battles for Combs. Other women, including Dawn Richard, have filed similar claims of sexual misconduct and violence. Richard’s recent lawsuit accuses Combs of groping and threatening her during her time working for him, as well as witnessing his abuse of Ventura.
Combs has consistently denied these allegations, referring to them as “sickening” and part of a campaign to extort money from him. However, in May, video footage surfaced showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. He later issued a public apology on Instagram, which he subsequently deleted.
Federal investigators have been probing Combs for months, conducting searches of his properties in Miami and Los Angeles in March. The investigation covers a wide range of allegations, including sex trafficking, sexual assault, and illegal narcotics distribution. A source confirmed that several people were interviewed during the investigation.
Combs, also known by other monikers like Puff Daddy and Love, has left a profound impact on the music and entertainment industries since founding Bad Boy Records in the 1990s. His influence extends to fashion and media, with ventures such as Sean John clothing and Revolt TV. However, recent allegations and lawsuits have tarnished his reputation, leading institutions like Howard University to cut ties with him. The university revoked an honorary degree it had awarded him and disbanded a scholarship program in his name following the release of the hotel assault video.
Additionally, Combs faces a lawsuit from music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who accused him of sexual misconduct and forcing him into illegal activities. Jones claims to have recorded hours of footage documenting Combs and others engaging in unlawful behavior. Jones’ attorneys stated that Combs’ arrest is a critical step toward justice and expect more victims to come forward.
Following the controversy, Combs has made several moves, including putting his Los Angeles mansion, which was raided by federal agents, on the market for $61.5 million. His attorneys maintain that Combs is innocent, and they are prepared to defend him against the allegations in court.