Audio By Carbonatix
Sean “Diddy” Combs — rapper, producer and entrepreneur — has fired back against the government’s raids on two of his properties in Miami and Los Angeles on Monday.
In a statement, his attorney Aaron Dyer characterized the searches by investigators with the Department of Homeland Security as an “unprecedented ambush” and a “witch hunt.”
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” Dyer wrote. “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," the attorney stated.
On Monday, Homeland Security Investigations confirmed their search and seizure via a statement. “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,” the agency stated.
The artist and entrepreneur faces a number of lawsuits stemming from sexual assault allegations. The accusations began when R&B singer Cassie, who dated Combs for years, filed a suit on Nov. 16. The suit claimed Combs had been combative towards her throughout their relationship.
She described him as a “serial domestic abuser, who would regularly beat and kick Ms. Ventura.” The following day, the two parties settled the lawsuit on what they described as amicable terms.
Following those allegations, Combs resigned as chairman of Revolt, and his Hulu reality show was subsequently cancelled.
Another lawsuit, filed in December, alleged that Combs had gang-raped a 17-year-old girl in 2003. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, accused Combs of plying her with drugs and alcohol at his New York studio and then raping her along with two associates.
The suit accused Combs of a “sex trafficking scheme,” in which Jane Doe was flown by private jet from her home in Michigan to New York.
Latest Stories
-
Celestine Donkor launches road-safety campaign in collaboration with Road Safety Authority
9 minutes -
New Road Maintenance Trust Fund board tasked to ensure fair, nationwide allocation of resources
11 minutes -
Mahama urges stronger global partnerships to transform Africa’s healthcare future
13 minutes -
ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency over rising coups, security threats
16 minutes -
Activa Insurance supports education with ICT lab donation to Korle Gonno Community Library
26 minutes -
Gov’t developing central health intelligence database – Health minister
33 minutes -
The McCarthy Hill School wins 2025 Kofi A. Tawiah Good Citizenship Challenge
36 minutes -
Ghanaian cocoa communities mobilised against galamsey to protect livelihoods and environment
40 minutes -
China’s former sports administration chief handed suspended death sentence
42 minutes -
Okyenhene rules on Kyebi Zongo chieftaincy dispute, declares Alhaji Sanusi as validly elected
42 minutes -
They don’t ask for permission before using my songs – Stella Seal
48 minutes -
Audit Service rejects calls for restatement of MIIF 2024 financials; flags concerns over Agyapa
49 minutes -
Botswana government fulfil house promise to 200m Paris Olympics gold medallist Tebogo
57 minutes -
Wode Maya: Africa’s cultural diplomat championing tourism through digital storytelling
59 minutes -
UESD @5: Seth Terkper hails rapid growth but warns infrastructure gaps are slowing progress
60 minutes
