Rap mogul, Sean Combs popularly known as Diddy, has been arrested in Manhattan, New York. This is coming after his indictment by a grand jury on Monday.
A statement issued by Combs’ Attorney, Marc Agnifilo, reads: “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.
“He is an imperfect person but he is not a criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
Combs’ arrest comes amid an ongoing federal investigation and a wave of lawsuits alleging sexual assault. Most recently, former Danity Kane member, Dawn Richard filed a suit against Combs on September 10, alleging verbal abuse, assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
In May, CNN posted a 2016 video of Combs attacking his then-girlfriend, R&B singer, Cassie Ventura. The footage matches allegations made in a lawsuit filed by Ventura in November last year, which outlines an incident that occurred at the now-shuttered InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. (The two parties reached a settlement one day after the suit was filed on November 16, 2023, in New York).
Combs apologized for his behavior in the video, saying on Instagram, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you gotta do that. I was fucked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in this video. They’re disgusting. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought professional help. I’ve been going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”