Sean Combs Arrested After Grand Jury Indictment



Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in Manhattan on Monday evening after being indicted by a grand jury, according to authorities. This arrest follows Homeland Security raids on his homes in March, seemingly prompted by a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the hip-hop mogul.

The legal troubles for Combs began last November when his ex-girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed a high-profile lawsuit accusing him of sex trafficking and abuse, which he settled privately just one day later. However, the accusations only escalated, with eight more women and one man filing similar lawsuits against him, alleging sexual assault and sex trafficking.

The specific charges against Combs have not yet been revealed, but the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is leading the prosecution. Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the SDNY, confirmed the arrest, stating, “Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY. We expect to unseal the indictment in the morning.”

Following the arrest, Combs’ lawyer expressed disappointment with the SDNY's decision, describing the case as an "unjust prosecution." He defended Combs as a music icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, claiming the mogul had cooperated fully with the investigation and voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges. “Please reserve judgment until you have all the facts,” his lawyer added, insisting that Combs is innocent and looks forward to clearing his name.

Tyrone Blackburn, an attorney representing several accusers, welcomed the indictment, calling it a significant step toward justice. He also anticipated more victims coming forward as the case progresses.

The indictment follows a lengthy investigation, during which federal agents raided Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami in late March, seizing phones and other evidence. Another of Combs’ attorneys criticized the raids as an overreach, calling them a "witch hunt based on meritless accusations."

In May, Rolling Stone published an in-depth investigation uncovering additional allegations of violence and sexual misconduct against Combs, painting a picture of a serial predator who used his power and celebrity status to mask a volatile temper and disturbing behavior for decades.

Combs' legal troubles began with Ventura’s lawsuit, where she claimed he physically abused her and forced her into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers during their decade-long relationship. Surveillance footage later confirmed one of Ventura's claims, showing Combs physically attacking her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. While Combs initially denied the allegations, he later apologized for his behavior, calling it a "rock bottom" moment. Ventura’s lawyers dismissed his apology as "pathetic."

As New York’s Adult Survivors Act neared expiration, more accusers came forward. Among them were Joi Dickerson-Neal, who accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1991, and Liza Gardner, who claimed Combs raped her when she was 16. Both accusations have been met with denials from Combs’ representatives, who have described the lawsuits as attempts to extort money.

The allegations against Combs continued to mount, with former Bad Boy President Harve Pierre also implicated in a gang rape, and other accusers detailing instances of sexual misconduct spanning decades. Most recently, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard sued Combs, corroborating Ventura's claims of abuse and adding allegations of sexual harassment.

Despite denying all accusations, Combs has faced significant fallout. He stepped down from his role at Revolt TV, sold his stake in the company, and lost major business partnerships, including with Diageo, which cut ties with him in a private settlement.