Los Angeles — Sean “Diddy” Combs lawyer said Tuesday that federal officials’ searches of the rapper’s Los Angeles and Miami houses in a sex trafficking probe were “a gross use of military-level force” and that Combs is “innocent and will continue to fight” to clear his name.
The music mogul’s team issued its first public statement on Monday after Homeland Security Investigations investigators raided his house.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” stated attorney Aaron Dyer. “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”
The searches were conducted as part of federal investigators’ ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York, according to two law enforcement officials. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.
According to Dyer’s statement, Combs was not held and spoke with authorities, and neither he nor any family members were arrested or had their travel restricted.
Dyer said that the “unprecedented ambush” resulted from 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,” Dyer said in a statement. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
Combs’ kids, Justin and Christian “King” Combs were handcuffed during the raid on their father’s home in Los Angeles. King, 25, is a musician whose song “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” featuring Kodak Black topped Billboard’s Mainstream R&B Hip-Hop charts in 2022.
Law enforcement raided Combs’ multimillion-dollar estate in Los Angeles’ wealthy Holmby Hills neighborhood on Monday and his Miami waterfront home. Command trucks were stationed outside both homes, along with many officers.
The criminal probe marks a significant increase in Combs’ scrutiny since he has been the defendant in several sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.
Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. Combs settled the lawsuit the next day. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them.
In February, a music producer sued Combs, alleging that he pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force
Another of Diddy accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.
Diddy and his counsel have denied all of the lawsuits’ claims.
The Associated Press does not normally name persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.
Diddy is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.
Diddy’s non-music business empire, which includes profitable private-label spirits, athletic clothes, and a television network, has been collapsing since the abuse charges surfaced.
His vodka and tequila partnership with Diageo, a major producer of distilled spirits, was officially terminated in January when the two parties settled mutual lawsuits, leaving the brands in Diageo’s hands.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force
His fashion line, Sean John, has disappeared from Macy’s, one of the line’s principal partners; Sean John’s goods are still accessible at Walmart’s online site. However, many are severely discounted or only available in off-sizes.
In November, Combs quit as chairman of Revolt TV, which focuses on music and social justice issues for African Americans.
Source – (apnews)
