Sean “Diddy” Combs vehemently denied any wrongdoing Tuesday after Monday’s raid on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami by federal agents, calling it an “unprecedented ambush” and decrying the “premature rush to judgment” it would lead to.
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” attorney Aaron Dyer said in a statement to the Daily News on behalf of the musician and producer. “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.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), whose armed agents had conducted the search in coordination with other law enforcement personnel, did not release any more information on Tuesday than its terse statement on from the day before, saying it had “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation” and would “provide further information as it becomes available.”
Two sources close to the investigation but not authorized to speak publicly told The Associated Press and other outlets that the search was related to sex trafficking allegations being levied against Combs in New York. Authorities did not say whether Combs himself was the subject of the investigation.
Aerial footage from Los Angeles had shown several people in handcuffs. HSI had not confirmed any arrests as of Tuesday afternoon.
Combs’ representatives flagged the lack of arrests and countered that the show of force had been completely unnecessary.
“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,” Dyer’s statement said. “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.”
Flight tracking data had revealed that Combs’ private plane had been flown from California to Antigua on Monday morning, though Combs was spotted in Miami later that day as the raids were taking place, People reported.
While authorities did not specify the investigation’s target, the musician is named in at least four lawsuits alleging sexual assault by him and others. In December, after a spate of allegations, he denied all wrongdoing.
“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday,” Combs posted on Instagram, after the slew of lawsuits against him landed. “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
With News Wire Services
