Sean “Diddy” Combs, the hip-hop mogul, was arrested late Monday in New York following his indictment by a federal grand jury.
Though the charges remain under seal, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams confirmed Combs is in federal custody and details will be revealed once the indictment is unsealed.
Combs, 58, was taken into custody at a Manhattan hotel. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated that Combs had been cooperating with the investigation, relocating to New York in anticipation of potential charges.
Agnifilo criticized the decision to prosecute, describing Combs as a family man and music icon, asserting his innocence and asking the public to withhold judgment until the facts are known.
This arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of Combs, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse. His former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, was the first to sue Combs in November, accusing him of years of abuse, including beatings and rape.
Her lawsuit, which was settled shortly after filing, also alleged that Combs engaged in sex trafficking and coercion. Several other women have since come forward with similar claims, further tarnishing his public image.
Despite his legal team’s denials of these allegations, the lawsuits have raised significant concern, with a leaked video of Combs assaulting Cassie only amplifying the controversy.
Although it is not publicly clear whether these lawsuits led to the current federal investigation, Combs now faces what could be the most serious legal battle of his career.
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