Two properties associated with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs raided by Homeland Security

(KTLA) – Two properties associated with rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement officers.

The searches were connected to a sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, the Associated Press reported, citing two law enforcement sources. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Helicopter footage from Nexstar’s KTLA captured several agents outside one of the properties in Los Angeles’ Holmby Hills neighborhood. Records showed that the home wasn’t owned by Combs but was associated with his production company.

A Mercedes-Benz G Class, often referred to as a “G-Wagon” located on the property was also registered to Bad Boy Productions Inc.

Homeland Security Investigations sent the following statement to KTLA: “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available.”

A representative for Combs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

There have been several sexual assault lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months.

In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley has said of those allegations that “we have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”

Combs’ former protege and girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, sued him in November alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. The lawsuit said he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them. The suit was settled the day after it was filed.

Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her two decades ago when she was 17.

Combs had said in a December statement, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”

Combs is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he built one of hip-hop’s biggest empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.

Combs created the fashion clothing line Sean John, launched the Revolt TV channel with a focus on music, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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