September 17th 2024.
Sean "Diddy" Combs, a renowned hip-hop mogul, was arrested on Monday night in New York. The arrest was made in connection to a sealed criminal indictment, according to prosecutors.
Details of the charges have not been revealed yet, but Combs has been facing multiple allegations of sexual assault in recent months. The U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Damian Williams, stated that federal agents arrested Combs and they plan to unseal the indictment the following morning. Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment in the decision to pursue the case, stating that they believe it is unjust.
Agnifilo also mentioned that Combs had been in New York last week, anticipating the charges to be brought against him. He further added that although Combs is not perfect, he is not a criminal. The arrest took place in the lobby of a Manhattan hotel, and Combs is currently in federal custody, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The criminal charges against Combs come as a major blow, but not entirely unexpected, considering his prominent position in the music industry. The federal investigation into the 58-year-old's actions was revealed when Homeland Security Investigations agents raided Combs' mansions in Los Angeles and Miami on March 25.
Combs' defense attorney, Aaron Dyer, had strongly criticized the raids, calling them a "gross use of military-level force." He also stated that the allegations against Combs were baseless and that he is innocent, vowing to fight to clear his name.
Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy, was a central figure in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop battles of the 1990s. He was the partner and producer of the late Notorious B.I.G., who was tragically killed in 1997. However, with age, Combs' public image had softened, and he was known as a successful businessman, a loving father, and a gracious host of parties in Hollywood and the Hamptons.
But things took a turn in November when his ex-girlfriend and protege, R&B singer Cassie, filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual abuse. This was followed by several other lawsuits from women who claimed to have been coerced or forced into sexual acts by Combs.
The suits also alleged that Combs engaged in sex trafficking by transporting women to different locations for sexual acts. In a leaked video aired by CNN, Combs was seen physically assaulting Cassie, further damaging his public image. He later posted a video on social media, apologizing for his actions and acknowledging his wrongdoing.
In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit against Combs, alleging that he was coerced into soliciting prostitutes and pressured to have sex with them. Another woman also accused Combs of raping her when she was 17. These allegations have had a significant impact on Combs' businesses, including Bad Boy Records, his private-label spirits, media company, and fashion line.
Although authorities have not confirmed that the lawsuits triggered the criminal investigation, Dyer stated that the case was based on false accusations made in civil lawsuits. Despite the denial of these allegations by Combs and his attorneys, they continue to haunt his reputation and career. As of now, Combs is facing a sealed criminal indictment, and further details are yet to be revealed.
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