NEW YORK CITY – Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned hip-hop impresario and recipient of three Grammy Awards, found himself in handcuffs on Monday as federal authorities in New York City took him into custody, according to his legal representative.
The arrest, orchestrated by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), unfolded in a Manhattan hotel lobby, sources close to the situation confirmed. Responding to NBC News, a spokesperson disclosed that Combs had been apprehended.
Addressing the situation in a statement released late Monday, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo expressed disappointment with what he considered an unjust legal pursuit. Agnifilo attested to Combs’ cooperation with the investigation, emphasizing the star’s willingness to relocate to New York in anticipation of the impending charges.
While specific details of the charges against Combs remained undisclosed, Agnifilo hinted that federal charges were imminent from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Emphasizing Combs’ innocence and cooperation, Agnifilo urged the public to reserve judgment until all the facts are brought to light.
Consequently, spokespersons for Homeland Security Investigations declined to provide further comments, keeping the details surrounding the arrest shrouded in mystery. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, confirmed the apprehension of Combs based on a sealed indictment, with plans to unveil the charges come Tuesday morning. Addressing the media in a scheduled press conference, Williams is expected to shed light on the nature of the charges against the entertainment mogul.
Combs, aged 54, is due in court in lower Manhattan on charges that seem connected to allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, as well as solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms. The investigation into Combs’ activities traces back to March 2024 when federal officials executed search warrants at his various properties. NBC News revealed that interviews conducted in Manhattan with individuals allegedly tied to the accusations preceded the searches.