Sean “Diddy” Combs was taken into federal custody in New York City on Monday night, sources say.
His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, released a statement explaining that Combs had voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges, expressing disappointment with what he called an “unjust prosecution” by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has spent decades building an empire and uplifting the Black community,” Agnifilo said. “While he is not perfect, he is not a criminal. Mr. Combs has fully cooperated with the investigation and looks forward to clearing his name in court. Please reserve judgment until all the facts are known.”
The exact charges against Combs remain sealed at this time.
This legal development comes on the heels of multiple lawsuits Combs has faced in recent years, including a July lawsuit accusing him of sex trafficking. The case, filed by former adult film star Adria English, alleges Combs groomed her for exploitation. This lawsuit marked at least the 10th allegation against Combs related to physical abuse and sex trafficking.
Combs, who rose to prominence in the 1990s as Puff Daddy and a key figure in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, has in recent years cultivated an image as a successful businessman and devoted father. However, allegations of abuse began to surface in November, when his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, sued him for sexual abuse. Cassie’s lawsuit described years of alleged beatings, rape, and sex trafficking, claiming that Combs forced her into sexual acts with others, which he would film.
Combs has yet to respond publicly to the latest charges, but his legal team maintains his innocence as the case moves forward.