Diddy Arrested In New York: Attorney Shares Details With CNN
As reported by CNN, Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been arrested — so says his attorney. Combs, who has been in New York City since last week, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations at the Park Hyatt Hotel on 57th Street in Manhattan around 8:15 p.m. Monday. The charges and nature of the case are not yet known.
Combs’ arrest culminates discussions with his attorneys about surrendering and the unsealing of a federal indictment Monday. The rapper’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said he was disappointed in the decision to prosecute what he believes is an unfair case. Combs is cooperating with the investigation and had relocated to New York ahead of these charges, Agnifilo said. He once again defended Combs, claiming that he has “nothing to hide.”
Combs was described by Agnifilo as an “icon,” a “music mogul, an entrepreneur” and a “family man… who’s been nothing but caring for all people everywhere;” furthermore pleading for no judgment until further information is available. “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs isn’t perfect, but he is not stupid,” Agnifilo told CNN.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams confirmed the arrest and said the indictment would be unsealed in New York on Wednesday morning. Williams said, “We anticipate filing a motion to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time.”
Combs had been under investigation for sex trafficking by Homeland Security Investigations earlier this year, and agents had searched his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. He has faced a barrage of lawsuits since November — ten, with nine accusing him of sexual assault At least four accusers have testified before a federal grand jury, suggesting an indictment is imminent.
Combs has denied all allegations in the lawsuits, but after CNN released surveillance tape that revealed the mogul pummeling his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016, he issued an apology.
Attorney Tyrone Blackburn—who represents three of Combs’ accusers (April Lampros, Grace O’Marcaigh and Lil Rod)—told ABC7 News it is an important first step toward justice. ‘We trust the people and justice system in dealing with the criminal side of this case,’ Blackburn said. He expects more alleged victims to step forward and prays that accountability will be taken.