The music mogul's homes in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigators and other law enforcement agencies. Officials said the raid was related to an investigation by federal authorities in New York.
The officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly. Combs' attorney and other representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Diddy was embroiled in a high-profile business dispute in part of 2023, but it was a lawsuit brought by his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, that opened the door to other sexual assault claims. Ta. Combs strongly denies the allegations.
It is unclear whether the search is related to any of the allegations raised in the lawsuit. They include a complaint by a woman who claims Combs raped her when she was 17 years old.
Here are some things you need to know about Combs and the investigation.
Combs is one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past 30 years. He built his one of the biggest empires in music, paving the way with several organizations associated with that famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records, a three-time Grammy Award winner, and has worked with many top artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil' Kim, Faith Evans, 112, and many more. I've been working.
The music mogul has launched a fashion clothing line called Sean John, partnered with the famous vodka brand, and created Revolt, which focuses on African-American music and social justice issues. We launched a TV network. He also produced the MTV reality show “Making the Band.”
In 2022, BET honored Combs with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his ability to shape culture throughout his career.
Combs won Grammy Awards for his platinum-selling 1997 album “No Way Out” and for his single “I'll Be Missing You,” a tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G., who passed away earlier that year. He won another Grammy for “Shake Ya Tailfeather” with Nelly and Murphy Lee.
Last year, Combs released his fifth studio album, The Love Album: Off the Grid, which was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the Grammy Awards in February, but did not attend the award. Ta. The album topped the charts in 2006 with two Top 10 hit singles, “Last Night” with Keyshia Cole and “Come to Me” featuring Nicole Scherzinger. This is his first solo project since “Press Play''.
In 2004, Combs played the role of Walter Lee Younger in the Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun, which aired on television four years later. He has also appeared in films such as “Get Him to the Greek'' and “Monster's Ball.''
What prompted the lawsuit?
In November, Combs' protégé, singer Kathy, sued Combs for years of sexual abuse, including rape. In her complaint, she claims that while she was filming a male prostitute, he forced her to perform sex acts.
Combs and Ventura began dating in 2007 and had an on-and-off relationship for more than a decade.
The suit was settled the day after it was filed, but the case against Combs continued.
Combs said in a statement in December: “I have done nothing as egregious as is being alleged.”
In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging that Mr. Combs coerced him into recruiting prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs' attorney, Sean Hawley, said of the allegations: “We have overwhelming and incontrovertible evidence that his claims are completely false.”
Another woman who accused Mr. Combs claimed that she was raped by the rap producer 20 years ago when she was 17 years old.
The filing alleges that Combs, then a talent director, party promoter and up-and-coming figure in New York City's hip-hop community, allegedly committed acts of sexual assault, assault and forced drugging in the early 1990s. detailed.
Are there any negative reactions from the lawsuit?
Last year, he resigned as chairman of the cable television network Revolt, to which he belongs, in the wake of sexual abuse allegations against Combs.
The Rebellion announced Combs' decision via social media. It's unclear whether he will return to the media company, but the company said Combs previously had “no operational or day-to-day role” at the network.
“This decision ensures that Revolt remains firmly focused on our mission of creating content that is meaningful to culture and amplifying the voices of all Black and African Diaspora people across this country. ,” the network said.
The network was preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Combs also created an online marketplace called Empower Global that features Black-owned brands. His website on the curated marketplace is still active, but it doesn't show any products for sale.
What happened to Diageo?
Earlier this year, Combs dropped a lawsuit he filed against Diageo last year as part of a settlement with the London-based spirits giant.
Combs said the company did not make promised investments in Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila, two brands that Combs had promoted in the past, treating them as inferior “urban” products. . He also accused Diageo of racism.
Combs said in a court filing that Diageo executives told him race was one of the reasons for restricting sales to “urban” areas. Combs said he was also told that some Diageo executives were upset that he was making too much money.
Diageo, in its legal filing, accused Combs of making “false and reckless” claims “with the intent of extracting billions of dollars more” from the company.
After the lawsuit was filed, Combs' reputation took a serious hit. After the lawsuit was dropped, Diageo became the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.