Since R&B singer Cassie filed a lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs for rape, sex trafficking and repeated physical assaults last November, numerous other alleged victims of the hip-hop mogul have also come forward with their own allegations. Yesterday afternoon (March 25), Diddy's homes in Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL, were raided by US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as part of a federal investigation.
UPDATE (3/27, 11:14 a.m. ET): Diddy has responded to the raid via a statement issued to Variety by his attorney, Aaron Dyer, who has referred to it as a "witch hunt" and an "unprecedented ambush." Dyer wrote:
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. 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.
As per an NBC News source, three women and one man have been interviewed by federal agents regarding allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms — and they reportedly have three more interview subjects lined up. Officials also seized phones from Combs in Miami ahead of his scheduled departure for the Bahamas, although it's unclear whether or not he made that trip.
"Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations 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," HSI said in a statement yesterday (March 25), confirming that the search warrants were executed out of the Southern District of New York.
Cassie settled her lawsuit with her former partner and mentor before the rest were issued, with two filings following within that same month. Diddy then stepped down from his role as chairman of Revolt and was served at least two additional lawsuits, the latest filed by producer Rodney Jones Jr.