Hip-hop star Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in New York, though the charges remain sealed. He has been accused of sexual misconduct in recent months.
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Famous hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in New York late on Monday, September 16. Federal agents took him into custody, but the exact charges against him are still sealed. The U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Damian Williams, said more details would be shared once the charges are made public.
In recent months, Combs has faced many serious accusations from women who say he mistreated them. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said they are upset with the decision to charge Combs and believe the case is unfair.
He added that Combs had gone to New York last week, expecting these charges to happen. “He’s not perfect, but he’s not a criminal,” Agnifilo said.
Combs was arrested in a hotel lobby in Manhattan. He is now in federal custody. Someone familiar with the situation confirmed the arrest but didn’t want to be named. The charges come as a big blow to one of hip-hop’s most famous figures.
Earlier this year, in March, federal agents searched Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami. His lawyer, Aaron Dyer, called these searches unnecessary and said the accusations against Combs were false. Dyer said that Combs was innocent and would continue to fight to prove it.
Combs, who used to go by Puff Daddy, became a big name in the 1990s. He was known for working with the rapper Notorious B.I.G. and helped create the East Coast-West Coast rivalry in hip-hop during that time. As the years went on, Combs’ image changed. He hosted glamorous parties and became known for his business skills and being a caring father.
However, things took a turn last November when his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, sued him for sexual abuse. She claimed Combs mistreated her for years, including forcing her into sexual situations. She also said Combs made her take part in sex trafficking, forcing her into harmful situations across different states. Cassie’s lawsuit was settled quickly, but other people soon came forward with their own stories about Combs.
A music producer also filed a lawsuit saying that Combs pressured him into hiring prostitutes and forced him into uncomfortable situations. Another woman said Combs had raped her when she was 17 years old. And a woman named April Lampros said her troubling encounters with Combs began when she was a college student in 1994.
Combs and his lawyers have denied most of these claims, calling them false and harmful to his career.
The accusations have had a huge effect on Combs’ businesses. His fashion line, Sean John, and his other ventures, like private-label spirits, have all taken hits.
Things got worse when a video leaked of Combs punching and kicking Cassie in a hotel hallway. After the video spread, Combs posted an apology on social media. He admitted he was disgusted by his actions.
Following this, many of Combs’ supporters began to distance themselves. Howard University, which had once honored him, cut ties. The mayor of New York City also asked Combs to return his key to the city.
Combs’ career and reputation have suffered greatly over the last few months. His lawyer said that the charges were based on the same accusations brought up in civil lawsuits.
As of now, the charges against him remain sealed, but prosecutors are expected to release more information soon. Many people are waiting to see what happens next in the case against one of the biggest names in hip-hop history.
