Puff Daddy’s Empire in Jeopardy: Hip-Hop Mogul’s Shocking Arrest Rocks New York
Sean “Diddy” Combs Arrested by Federal Authorities in New York
American hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, better known by his stage name ‘Puff Daddy,’ was arrested by federal authorities in New York, foreign media outlets including CNN and the Associated Press reported on the 16th (local time). This is six months after his home was searched on suspicion of sexual assault.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York issued a statement confirming Combs’ detention and saying it would release the indictment on the morning of the 17th.
Combs’ attorney argued that Combs had been cooperating with the investigation and had voluntarily come to New York last week in anticipation of the authorities’ indictment. He also argued that the prosecution’s indictment was unjustified and that Combs should be acquitted.
The authorities’ investigation into Combs became known in March when Homeland Security Investigations agents simultaneously searched his homes in Los Angeles and Miami.
CNN reported earlier this year that Combs was the subject of a sex trafficking investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, and that the home search stemmed from sexual assault allegations in several civil lawsuits against him.
The authorities’ investigation into him is reportedly quite extensive and focuses on allegations of prostitution, money laundering and illegal drugs.
He has already been sued several times for sexual assault and other charges. Last November, his former girlfriend, singer Cassie (real name Cassandra Ventura), filed a civil suit against Combs, claiming she had been sexually assaulted and other charges.
Ventura alleged that Combs subjected her to years of abuse, including beatings and sexual assault.
In May, CNN released a video showing Combs brutally beating Ventura in a LA hotel hallway in March 2016, causing a stir. Combs, who had denied the allegations, bowed his head for the first time the next day, posting an apology video.
The lawsuits against him continued. CNN reported that Combs has been sued 10 times since last November, nine of which are for sexual assault.
In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of forcing her into prostitution and having sex with her, and another woman came forward saying she was sexually assaulted by Combs 20 years ago when she was 16. Combs has denied all the allegations.