NEW YORK — Two properties owned by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement officials on Monday as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation led by federal authorities in New York, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press.
It remains unclear if Combs himself is the target of the investigation, as the officials were not authorized to publicly disclose details and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that they had conducted law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment on the matter, while messages to Combs’ legal team and representatives for comment were not immediately returned.
A police cordon was set up around Combs’ Los Angeles residence in Holmby Hills near Beverly Hills, where agents were seen with vests indicating they were from Homeland Security Investigations. A command post was established outside the property, and agents were observed entering and leaving the premises throughout the day.
Several sexual assault lawsuits have been filed against Combs in recent months, including allegations of coercion, solicitation of prostitutes, and sexual abuse. Combs’ attorney has vehemently denied these accusations, insisting they are false.
While it remains unclear if the search is linked to any specific allegations raised in the lawsuits, attorney Douglas Wigdor, representing some of the accusers, expressed hope that this would lead to accountability for Combs’ alleged behavior.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy, is a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry with a history of success as a music producer, record executive, and entrepreneur. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Combs continues to maintain a significant presence in the entertainment world through various ventures, including his fashion line, music projects, and television productions.
The news of the federal search at Combs’ properties comes amid a broader cultural shift in the entertainment industry towards addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse. High-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein, R. Kelly, and Russell Simmons have faced legal repercussions for their actions, signaling a growing demand for accountability and justice in cases of sexual exploitation.
As the investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs unfolds, the music industry and fans alike await further developments in this complex and evolving story.
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This article was written with contributions from AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton in Los Angeles.