Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Arrest in Manhattan Tied to Multiple Sexual Assault Cases

Sean “Diddy” Combs was reportedly detained in New York on Monday, September 16, in Manhattan, following an indictment by a grand jury. This development comes amid ongoing sexual assault lawsuits and a federal investigation, according to The New York Times. Details about the specific charges in the indictment were not immediately available.

Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment in a statement to Us Weekly, denouncing the decision by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to proceed with what he considers an unjust prosecution. Agnifilo praised Diddy as a music icon, successful entrepreneur, dedicated family man, and philanthropist who has worked tirelessly to support the Black community.

He emphasized that while Diddy is flawed, he is not a criminal, and asserted that Diddy has been fully cooperative with the investigation, even moving to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Agnifilo urged the public to withhold judgment until all facts are known, asserting that Diddy is innocent and looks forward to clearing his name in court.

Diddy is currently facing seven sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations, all of which he denies. Recently, he was ordered to pay a $100 million default judgment in a civil suit brought by a Michigan inmate who accused him of sexual assault. This judgment came after Diddy did not appear for a virtual hearing on September 9, relating to allegations that he drugged and assaulted Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith at a 1997 Detroit party. Diddy’s legal team has criticized this ruling, claiming Diddy was unaware of the lawsuit and had never been served with it.

Additionally, Diddy has filed an emergency motion seeking to overturn the default judgment, and to dissolve a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction associated with the case.

In May, Diddy publicly apologized to his former girlfriend Cassie following the release of video footage showing him assaulting her in a 2016 hotel incident. Cassie, 38, had filed a lawsuit against Diddy in November 2023, accusing him of sexual assault among other claims.

They reached a settlement the day after the lawsuit was filed. In his apology, Diddy admitted to hitting rock bottom, took full responsibility for his actions, and expressed a commitment to becoming a better person. He revealed that he has been seeking professional help, including therapy and rehab.

Moreover, Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in March as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, with assistance from other regional HSI offices and local law enforcement, conducted these raids.

Further information is expected as the investigation progresses. NBC News reported that federal agents interviewed multiple individuals related to the allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the distribution of illegal drugs and firearms.