Sean “Diddy” Combs has finally spoken up after two of his residences were searched, criticizing the US Homeland Security agents’ use of what he calls “a gross overuse of military-level force”.
The entertainer’s legal representatives expressed that there’s absolutely “no excuse” for the “hostility” the authorities displayed towards Combs’ family and employees at both homes.
These incidents unfolded on Monday at the mogul’s Holmby Hills mansion in Los Angeles, California, and his property on Star Island in Miami Beach, Florida.
Homeland Security released a statement claiming the operations were “executed as part of an ongoing investigation with help from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners.”
On Tuesday, Combs’s attorney Aaron Dyers stated: “Yesterday, witnessed a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ homes.
The searches took place on Monday at Combs’ mansion in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles, California, and his Miami Beach residence on Star Island, in Florida.
“There’s no excuse for the excessive display of force and the hostility shown by the authorities or the manner his children and staff were approached.”
Mr. Dyers’ words marked the first public response from the music tycoon’s camp following the searches.
Though Combs was not detained and cooperated with officials, neither he nor his family members were arrested, nor have their movements been limited, Dyers’ statement outlines.
Mr. Dyers described the “unprecedented ambush” as leading to a “premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing short of a witch hunt based on baseless claims from civil lawsuits.”
“There hasn’t been any finding of criminal or civil liability with these allegations,” Mr. Dyers continued. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will persist in clearing his name every single day.”
During the raid at their father’s Los Angeles home, Combs’ sons, Justin and Christian “King” Combs, were handcuffed.
This criminal probe marks a significant intensification in the scrutiny of Combs, who has faced a number of sexual abuse lawsuits lately. Speculations about his location have been rampant post-raid.
Details regarding a private jet owned by the rapper vanished from a well-known flight tracking site on Tuesday, although earlier data indicated it landed in Antigua.
A note on FlightAware.com stated: “This aircraft (N1969C) is not available for public tracking at the request of the owner/operator.”
Combs’ legal team described the searches as a ‘gross overuse of military-level force.’
In February, music producer Rodney Jones accused Combs of sexual assault and coercing him into sleeping with sex workers.
The lawsuit, lodged in federal court in New York, alleges repeated unsolicited groping and sexual misconduct by the music mogul. It also mentions that the plaintiff was forced to work in a restroom while Combs showered and roamed around nude.
The lawsuit was updated on Monday to include actor Cuba Gooding Jr. The Independent has sought comments from representatives for Combs and Gooding Jr regarding the lawsuit.
Combs has previously dismissed all allegations against him and pledged to “fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
He stands as one of the most prominent hip-hop producers and executives over the last thirty years.
Once known as Puff Daddy, he’s established one of hip-hop’s largest dynasties, with several ventures bearing his renowned name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy recipient who’s collaborated with the likes of Biggie Smalls, Mary J Blige, and Usher.
