Homeland Security officials raided Sean Combs’ Los Angeles home on Monday, Fox News Digital verified. His Miami house also had agents present.
“Earlier today, 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 Department of Homeland Security stated in a statement.
“We will provide further information as it becomes available.”
A US official confirmed to Fox News that the raids on Diddy’s properties are part of a federal human trafficking probe. It is unknown whether the rapper is the focus of the federal officers’ probe.
Combs’ representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, told Fox News Digital, “We will always support law enforcement in its efforts to pursue people who have broken the law. Hopefully, this is the start of a process that will hold Mr. Combs accountable for his depraved behavior.”
Cassie, also known as Casandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit against the musician in November, alleging rape and abuse. She accused Diddy of raping her in her own house, subjecting her to “over a decade” of his “violent behavior and disturbed demands,” and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes while he watched and filmed.
The R&B artist also claimed that Diddy “punched, beat, kicked, and stomped” on her.
At the time, Combs issued a statement to Fox News Digital rejecting Cassie’s charges.
“Mr. Combs categorically denies these derogatory and absurd charges. “For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been exposed to Ms. Ventura’s repeated demand of $30 million, with the prospect of writing a harmful book about their relationship, which has been categorically rejected as blatant blackmail,” his counsel stated. “Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”
Sean and Cassie reached an amicable agreement the day after she filed the claim, and she dismissed the lawsuit.
“I have opted to address this problem amicably and on terms over which I have some control.” I’d like to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support,” Cassie added.
Combs said in his own statement that he had no ill will against the artist and that they had mutually agreed upon the choice.
“We have resolved to address this issue amicably. I wish Cassie and her family the best. Love.”
