Kaicie Boeglin
News Editor
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has kept a low profile after federal agents and Homeland Security investigate his Los Angeles and Miami properties. Combs’ lawyer states that the raids of his client's homes were “excessive use of military-level force.”
Regardless of the many name changes over the decades, Combs remains one of the most recognizable names as a performer and producer. As of late 2023, several lawsuits raised allegations of sexual assault, abuse and rape against Combs. Two New York law enforcement officials told the Associated Press that the raids were part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities. It is unclear if Combs is the direct target of this investigation.
Combs was not detained or arrested during the raid. None of his family members were arrested, however his sons Justin and Christian Combs were handcuffed during the raid at the Los Angeles residence. The criminal investigation of sex trafficking against Combs is a major escalation of his scrutiny.
The allegations against Combs started with fellow hip-hop/pop artist Casandra Ventura, better known as Cassie. Last November, she reported years of rape and abuse starting when she was 19 in 2005. The lawsuit was issued in November of 2023 and led for more people to come forward. She exposed to the court how Combs subjected her to “savage beatings” in which he would punch, kick and stomp on her. She went on record to say how Combs forced her to take drugs and have sex with other men while he sat by filming and masturbating. Ventura's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, presented to the core a statement on how “Mr. Combs offered her eight figures to silence her and prevent her from filing this lawsuit, [to which Miss Ventura] rejected and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence.”
Producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a lawsuit against Combs in February 2024, alleging that Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Jones’ 73-page lawsuit calls Combs a serial sex abuser and says he drew in guests to infamous VIP parties with “celebrities such as famous athletes, political figures, artists, musicians and international dignitaries like the British Royal Prince Harry.” Ventura and Jones publicly speaking out against Combs brought more of his victims to file lawsuits but they have not yet gone public. Although he denies every claim brought against him, Combs did resign as chairman for Revolt TV after the initial lawsuit by Ventura. Amidst the lawsuits, Combs lost his vodka and tequila deal with Diageo, a major producer of distilled spirits. His clothing line, Sean John, has also been taken out of stores and is only found on reseller websites or Walmart.com in off sizes.
Combs is best known for building a hip hop empire in founding Bad Boy Records. He is a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with many well-known artists including Notorious B.I.G, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Little Kim, Faith Evans and 112. Combs is a big point for conspiracy for his network ties and the rumor he was the antagonist who put the hit on Tupac Shakur.