.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.jpg)
Hip hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in New York City on Monday, September 16. Combs was taken into custody at the Park Hyatt Hotel on 57th Street in Manhattan by Homeland Security Investigations at 8:15 p.m. following a grand jury indictment.
The details of the sealed indictment have not been disclosed, but Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, indicated that the charges may involve racketeering and sex trafficking. Agnifilo expressed disappointment with the decision, stating, “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the US Attorney’s Office.” He also noted that Combs had traveled to New York last week in anticipation of the charges.
Combs, who is 54, has been under federal investigation, which came to light when Homeland Security agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami on March 25. His arrest comes amid a wave of lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, including a high-profile suit from his former protege and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, who in November accused him of years of abuse, including beatings and rape. Cassie’s lawsuit, which was settled the following day, also alleged Combs engaged in sex trafficking.
Combs is now the highest-profile figure in the music industry to face criminal charges for sexual misconduct since R. Kelly, who was sentenced to over 30 years in prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking, and racketeering.
