Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer releases statement after bombshell sex trafficking allegations
Lawyers for rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have slammed human trafficking charges against the rap superstar as “a gross overuse of military-level force” and a “witch-hunt”.
Officers raided two properties belonging to Combs in Miami and Los Angeles on Tuesday, with the raids allegedly connected to an ongoing Federal sex trafficking investigation.
The rapper was reportedly also stopped by Federal officers at a Miami airport as he was preparing to leave to travel to the Bahamas with his family.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The New York Times reports he was not arrested but a number of electronic devices were seized and he did not travel to the Bahamas as planned.
Combs’ lawyer, Aaron Dyer, released a statement on behalf of the rapper in response to the raids, saying there was “no excuse” for the “excessive” show of force.
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr Combs’ residences,” Mr Dyer said.
“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.”
In a statement to Associated Press on Tuesday, Homeland Security Investigations said it “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 raids come off the back of a troubling time for Combs, with several sexual assault lawsuits filed against him in recent months, including a lawsuit from the R&B singer Cassie that was settled last year.
In February a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them.
Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley has said of those allegations that “we have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies”.
Combs’ former protege and girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, sued him in November alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape.
The lawsuit said he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them. The suit was settled the day after it was filed.
Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her two decades ago when she was 17.
Combs is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades.
Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he built one of hip-hop’s biggest empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famous name.
He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
