Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested by federal agents in New York City on Monday, following a sealed indictment from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment over what he termed an “unjust prosecution,” asserting that Combs is “an innocent man with nothing to hide.” Agnifilo emphasized that Diddy has been cooperative throughout the investigation and had even relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges.
The specific nature of the charges remains unclear, but they are connected to a federal grand jury indictment. The arrest was executed by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at a Midtown hotel. HSI has been involved in a broader investigation that has examined multiple allegations against Diddy, including sexual misconduct, trafficking, assault, and the distribution of illegal drugs and firearms.
Combs has faced numerous sexual misconduct lawsuits in recent months, with eight lawsuits filed against him since November. Notably, these include allegations from former bandmate Dawn Richard, who recently accused him of years of physical and sexual abuse, and his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who claimed he exhibited “uncontrollable rage,” forced her to engage in drug use, and coerced her into sexual acts with other men. Cassie’s lawsuit was settled in November 2023.
This situation has been further complicated by the resurfacing of a 2016 incident where Diddy was recorded assaulting Ventura in a hotel. As the investigation unfolds, federal authorities are reportedly preparing to bring Diddy’s accusers before a grand jury to testify.