Sean “Diddy” Combs discussed the Homeland Security raids on his homes in Los Angeles, New York and Miami for the first time on Tuesday, referring to the “excessive,” “military-level” effort as an “unprecedented ambush.”
Combs and his team, represented by defense lawyer Aaron Dyer, condemned his multiple sexual assault lawsuits and Monday’s HSI investigation as a “witch hunt based on baseless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”
“Yesterday, there was a significant use of military-style force during the search warrants executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” the statement begins. “There is no justification for the excessive display of force and hostility shown by authorities or the treatment of his children and employees.”
Combs’ Los Angeles home on Mapleton Drive and Sunset Boulevard and his other residences were targeted in a raid on Monday, March 25. The Holmby Hills neighborhood was blocked off by police as armed personnel conducted the raid. Authorities from LA County Sheriff’s Department cooperated with HSI.
“Mr. Combs was not detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities,” Dyer’s statement continued. “Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested or had their travel restricted in any way.”
The reason for the raids has yet to be confirmed, but Combs is accused of sex trafficking crimes and abuse. The rapper was sued by R&B singer Cassie in November 2023 for sexual assault and rape, but the pair resolved the suit out-of-court the next day.
Five more lawsuits have been filed against the rapper since the singer, whose full name is Cassandra Ventura, brought her suit, accusing him of sexual assalt, sex trafficking and physical abuse.
Dyer described the raid coverage as “advanced, coordinated media presence” leading to a premature judgment of Mr. Combs.
Read the full statement from Dyer below:
“Yesterday, there was a significant use of military-style force during the search warrants executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no justification for the excessive display of force and hostility shown by authorities or the treatment of his children and employees. Mr. Combs was not detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested or had their travel restricted in any way. This unprecedented ambush, along with an advanced, coordinated media presence, leads to a premature judgment of Mr. Combs and is a witch hunt based on baseless accusations made in civil lawsuits. 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.”
