Rapper Diddy has been arrested in New York following a sealed indictment, according to authorities.
On Monday evening, September 16, the rapper, whose real name is Sean Combs, was apprehended in the lobby of the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan.
The Southern District of New York US Attorney’s office stated that a grand jury had indicted him, but the specific charges remain undisclosed.
It tweeted: “Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY.
“We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time.”
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, responded to the news by telling UNILAD: “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Sean “Diddy” Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal.
“To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges.”
“These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
The rapper has been under public scrutiny since his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, real name Cassandra Ventura, took him to court accusing him of sexual and physical abuse that she claimed went on for years.
However, the lawsuit was settled in just a day, though the terms of that settlement haven’t been made public. At the time, his attorney clarified that the settlement was not an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Several others have since come forward to accuse him of abusive behavior, including sexual assault—allegations he strongly denies.
Back in March, the 54-year-old was subject to a raid in connection with an investigation being conducted by federal agents.
“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 statement read.
“We will provide further information as it becomes available.”
Diddy’s attorney released a statement following the raids, stating: “Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences.
“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”
He added: “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.”