P. ‘Diddy’ Combs recently departed the country on his private jet amid multiple raids on homes connected to the rap star and media mogul.
Combs was facing four lawsuits for alleged sexual assault and fresh investigations into human trafficking.
On Tuesday, the rapper’s attorney addressed the press amid speculation that the billionaire might not return to the United States to stand trial.
Statement From Diddy’s Attorney:
"Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs' residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and… pic.twitter.com/5axwEh3Ywi
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 26, 2024
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way,” the attorney said.
“This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
The Department of Homeland Security on Monday launched raids on a California home in Holmby Hills as well as a Miami estate, both linked to the rap star.
The federal operation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sex trafficking. The house, registered to Bad Boy Films, a branch of Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment, is also linked to one of Combs’ daughters.
Law officers ringed the doorbell at location, with at least 30 vehicles and three armored units present outside. Eyewitnesses saw many people being held outside the residence, but their names and the extent of their participation are unknown.
In footage captured by Fox 11 (KTTV), highly armed officers were seen entering the premises via a side gate and doing a thorough search of the property, including the garage area. At least three persons who were present at the residence during the raid were detained, however it is unclear if they are being arrested or questioned.
“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available,” the Department of Homeland Security announced in a press statement.
On Monday, Cassie Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, issued a statement stating, “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has appeared to have left the country amid multiple federal raids on properties connected to the famed rapper and media mogul.
According to flight tracking information of Combs’ $30 million Gulfstream G550 business jet, the rapper is on a flight over the Caribbean near the islands Saint James and Little Saint John, coincidentally the former home of infamous sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Combs’ private jet was last located at an airport at St. John’s, the capital of the Caribbean islands of Barbados and Antigua.
There was speculation that Combs may be on his way to Cabo Verde, where there is no extradition treaty with the United States, although this was not confirmed.
The billionaire rapper is “in a world of hurt right now,” according to US Attorney’s Office prosecutor Neama Rahmani.
“The Southern District of New York is one of the most prestigious in the country. If they’re bringing a case against him, Diddy has a lot to worry about,” Rahmani told Rolling Stone.
Combs is now facing four lawsuits relating to claims of sexual abuse, which he has all protested he is innocent of having committed.
As reported by Page Six in December, the fourth lawsuit against Combs involved a minor.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of gang-raping and sex-trafficking a 17-year-old schoolgirl when she was in the 11th grade, according to a new court filing seen by Page Six.
It’s the fourth allegation of sexual assault made against the billionaire music mogul in three weeks — and comes after he settled the first suit, with his ex, singer Cassie, for an undisclosed sum after she accused him of years of rape and abuse.
The rapper issued a furious denial after the allegation: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.”
“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday,” he argued. “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
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