Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested Monday night in New York City by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations, according to ABC News.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, confirmed in a statement that Combs was taken into custody based on a sealed indictment from the SDNY. Williams stated that further information will be provided when the indictment is unsealed on Tuesday morning.
Sources indicate that Combs was apprehended at the Park Hyatt hotel in Midtown Manhattan and will remain in federal custody overnight before his arraignment on Tuesday.
The indictment against Combs was returned by a federal grand jury in Manhattan, which led to his arrest. However, the specific charges have not yet been made public.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, released a statement describing the case as an “unjust prosecution.” He emphasized Combs’ positive contributions to society over his career, stating, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist.” Agnifilo requested that the public reserve judgment until all facts are available, asserting Combs is innocent and has been cooperative throughout the investigation.
This investigation has reportedly been ongoing for nearly a year, initially prompted by allegations made by Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a civil lawsuit, with at least 10 additional lawsuits following. Combs has denied all allegations against him.
Back in March, federal agents executed search warrants at Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami as part of this investigation. According to a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, the raids were part of an “ongoing investigation,” during which multiple electronic devices were seized. These actions are linked to a federal inquiry into sex trafficking involving Combs, conducted by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York.