(NewsNation) — Two properties belonging to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal Homeland Security agents as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by New York federal authorities, NewsNation affiliate WPIX confirms.
Numerous videos from NewsNation affiliate KTLA’s Sky Five show officials moving into the Los Angeles house and placing numerous individuals in handcuffs. It’s unclear if Combs was at either home during the raids.
The reason for the raids was not immediately made clear; Homeland Security Investigations released the following statement to KTLA. “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available.”
Aaron Dyer, Combs’ attorney, released a statement Tuesday saying any speculation about the raids “leads to premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. 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. 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 said. “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.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment. Messages to Combs’ lawyers and other representatives seeking comment were not immediately returned.
There have been several sexual assault lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months.
In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley has said of those allegations that “we have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”
Combs’ former girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, sued him in November alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. The lawsuit said he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them. The suit was settled the day after it was filed.
Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her two decades ago when she was 17.
Combs had said in a November statement, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”
Combs is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he built one of hip-hop’s biggest empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
Combs created the fashion clothing line Sean John, launched the Revolt TV channel with a focus on music, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.
This is a developing report. Check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.