The search for American rapper and music producer Sean Combs is linked to an investigation into human trafficking.
Wednesday 27 March at 03:51
On Monday, two of his properties in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by agents from the US Department of Homeland Security.
The raid was linked to an ongoing investigation into human trafficking.
Photos from the properties of Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday showed heavily armed police officers in armored vehicles.
The star’s lawyer, Aaron Dyer, told American media on Tuesday that he is reacting strongly to the raids, which he calls an ambush.
– The search of Mr. Comb’s properties yesterday took place with a grossly excessive use of force at a military level, he says to People.
MUSIC MOGUL: Sean Combs (54) previously went by the stage name Puff Daddy. Here during the MTV Video Awards in New Jersey last September. Photo: ANGELA WEISS / AFP
He says that the searches – and the media coverage of them – could lead to the pre-trial detention of the American rapper.
– This is nothing more than a witch hunt based on baseless accusations in civil lawsuits, he says.
More charges
54-year-old Combs is behind the record company Bad Boy Records, and is considered to be one of the most influential hip-hop producers of recent decades.
The artist has won the Grammy three times, and has worked with artists such as Notorious BIG, Mary J. Blige and Usher.
In recent months, he has been accused of several rapes and assaults, including from his ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura (37). The rapper has denied all the accusations.
Ventura, who goes by the stage name Cassie, sued Combs for subjecting her to a life of abuse, violence and sex trafficking. The case ended in a settlement in November last year.
In the wake of the ex-boyfriend’s lawsuit, three other women have accused Combs of sexual assault.
Armed agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security outside Sean Combs’ residence in Los Angeles on Monday. Photo: Eric Thayer / AP /
The lawyer: – There is no excuse
Attorney Aaron Dyer says Combs was not arrested during the raids, but spoke with and cooperated with authorities.
Combs was according New York Times was stopped by federal agents at a Miami airport on Monday as he was traveling to the Bahamas with several family members. There, among other things, they seized some of his electronic devices, the newspaper writes.
– Contrary to what has been speculated in the media, neither Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested, nor have they received restrictions on whether they can travel, says the lawyer to People.
– Combs is innocent and will continue to fight to clear his name, every single day, he says.
The local Fox11 channel on Monday published television footage of Combs’ two sons, who are 25 and 30 years old, being handcuffed outside their Beverly Hills home.
– There is no excuse for the unnecessary use of force and hostility displayed by government officials, or for the way his children and staff were treated.