In the initial 9 months of 2023, Sean “Diddy” Combs triumphantly performed at the MTV VMAs, produced an R&B album that garnered a Grammy nomination and was a suitor to obtain the Guess network.
But quite a few lawsuits submitted late very last calendar year raised allegations of sexual assault and rape from Combs — a person of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as a performer and producer.
The audio mogul’s households in Los Angeles and Miami had been searched Monday by federal brokers with Homeland Security Investigators and other law enforcement. Officers claimed the queries have been related to an investigation by federal authorities in New York.
Footage from Chopper 6 confirmed a number of brokers at the rapper’s property on the exclusive Star Island. NBC6 captured agents walking by the extra than $30-million residence with paper baggage and strolling out with several containers and laptops. Amid the objects seized had been a number of telephones and guns, law enforcement resources told NBC News.
In a statement on Tuesday, Combs’ legal professional known as the raid an “unparalleled ambush” and that the mogul was not detained but cooperated and spoke to authorities.
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of armed forces-degree drive as look for warrants had been executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the abnormal demonstrate of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and personnel ended up treated,” Aaron Dyer’s statement claimed in aspect.
The legal professional clarified that Combs nor any of his household customers were not arrested and their journey was not restricted.
“This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media existence — qualified prospects to a premature hurry to judgment of Mr. Combs and is absolutely nothing a lot more than a witch hunt based mostly on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits,” Dyer claimed. “There has been no acquiring of felony or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight each individual single working day to distinct his name.”
Even though Diddy was embroiled in one particular superior-profile small business dispute for aspect of 2023, it was a scenario submitted by his former girlfriend and R&B singer Cassie that opened the door to other claims of sexual violence. Combs has vehemently denied the allegations.
It is not apparent irrespective of whether the lookup is relevant to any of the allegations lifted in the lawsuits, which include things like a single from a girl who statements Combs raped her when she was 17.
Here are some factors to know about Combs and the investigation.
WHO IS DIDDY?
Combs is between the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past a few many years. He built 1 of music’s major empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famed name. He is the founder of Negative Boy Information and a 3-time Grammy winner who has labored with a slew of major-tier artists which include Infamous B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Religion Evans and 112.
The music mogul produced the style apparel line referred to as Sean John, was connected with a very well-regarded vodka model and launched Revolt Tv community, which focuses on songs and social justice troubles targeting African People. He also produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.
In 2022, Wager honored Combs with the Life time Achievement Award for his capacity to condition tradition via his job.
Combs won Grammys for his platinum-promoting 1997 album “No Way Out” and the solitary “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tune focused to the late Infamous B.I.G. who was killed earlier that 12 months. He gained one more Grammy for “Shake Ya Tailfeather” with Nelly and Murphy Lee.
Past year, Combs launched his fifth studio album “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” which was nominated for finest progressive R&B album at February’s Grammy Awards, which he did not show up at. The album was his to start with solo venture given that his 2006 chart-topping “Press Perform,” which experienced two prime 10 hit singles: “Last Night” with Keyshia Cole and “Come to Me” featuring Nicole Scherzinger.
In 2004, Combs performed Walter Lee Young in the Broadway revival of “A Raisin in the Solar,” which aired as a television adaption four years later. He’s also appeared in films together with “Get Him to the Greek” and “Monster’s Ball.”
WHAT SPARKED THE LAWSUITS?
In November, Combs’ protege and singer Cassie sued him for alleging a long time of sexual abuse such as rape. The lawsuit alleged he pressured her to have sex with male prostitutes though he filmed them.
Combs and Ventura commenced courting in 2007 and experienced an on-and-off romantic relationship for more than a 10 years.
The suit was settled the working day right after it was filed, but the lawsuits towards Combs stored coming.
Combs experienced reported in a December statement, “I did not do any of the awful matters being alleged.”
In February, a music producer submitted a lawsuit alleging Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs’ legal professional Shawn Holley has reported of individuals allegations that “we have too much to handle, indeniable evidence that his statements are full lies.”
One more of Combs’ accusers was a lady who stated the rap producer raped her two many years back when she was 17.
The filings depth functions of sexual assault, beatings and pressured drugging allegedly dedicated in the early 1990s by Combs, then a expertise director, social gathering promoter and mounting determine in New York City’s hip-hop group.
ANY REPERCUSSIONS FROM THE LAWSUITS?
Final yr, Combs stepped down as chairman of his cable television network Revolt amid the sexual abuse allegations in opposition to him.
Revolt announced Combs’ conclusion via social media. It’s not clear if he will at any time return to the media firm — which reported Combs formerly had “no operational or working day-to-day role” at the network.
“This conclusion allows to guarantee that Revolt stays steadfastly targeted on our mission to generate significant content material for the lifestyle and amplify the voices of all Black people all over this state and African diaspora,” the community mentioned.
The community experienced been getting ready to rejoice its 10th anniversary.
Combs also designed an on the web marketplace identified as Empower Worldwide that highlighted Black-owned brand names. The internet site for the curated marketplace is nonetheless energetic, but reveals no merchandise remaining bought.
WHAT Happened WITH DIAGEO?
Previously this yr, Combs withdrew the lawsuit filed last year versus Diageo as portion of a settlement with the London-primarily based spirits big.
Combs stated the business didn’t make promised investments in Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila — two brands Combs promoted in the previous — and taken care of them as inferior “urban” solutions. He also accused Diageo of racism.
In court docket filings, Combs mentioned Diageo management informed him race was a person of the good reasons it limited distribution to “urban” neighborhoods. Combs mentioned he was also told some Diageo leaders resented him for producing too a great deal money.
In authorized filings, Diageo accused Combs of resorting to “false and reckless” allegations “in an energy to extract extra billions” from the organization.
Combs’ standing took a major strike soon after the lawsuit was filed. Diageo turned the sole operator of Ciroc and DeLeon right after the lawsuit was withdrawn.
