Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently the subject of a federal criminal investigation in the Southern District of New York, according to sources familiar with his ongoing legal issues. These sources have confirmed that a federal grand jury is actively hearing evidence related to the investigation, although there is no indication that charges are imminent at this time. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment, and Combs’ legal team has not responded to requests for comment.
In legal terms, being a subject of an investigation means that Combs is within the scope of the criminal inquiry. This status can change as the investigation progresses, potentially upgrading to a target if prosecutors decide to seek an indictment from the grand jury. However, sources have indicated that Combs has not received a target letter, and the Southern District of New York is not obligated to send one.
This development follows a series of legal troubles for Combs. Three months ago, law enforcement officials raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. In May, Combs publicly apologized after a video surfaced showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. In an Instagram video, Combs admitted to the incident, stating, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f—ed up — I mean, I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses.”
Initially, Combs denied Ventura’s allegations of assault and sex trafficking, which she detailed in a federal lawsuit filed in November. The lawsuit was settled the following day for an undisclosed amount. At the time, Ventura’s attorney, Meredith Firetog, criticized Combs’ delayed apology, stating, “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. He was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation.”
Ventura’s legal team has not commented on whether she has been called to participate in any grand jury proceedings. Meanwhile, Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits, including a recent one filed by a former adult film star accusing him of sex trafficking. Combs has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime. His attorney, Jonathan Davis, dismissed the latest lawsuit, stating, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason and without any proof. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court.”
The federal investigation into Combs comes amid a backdrop of multiple allegations and legal actions against him. In November, Combs’ longtime girlfriend, Cassie, filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing him of repeated physical and sexual abuse. Although Combs denied the allegations, the lawsuit was settled the next day. Shortly after, two other women filed lawsuits accusing him of rape and abuse dating back decades.
In May, a hotel surveillance video from 2016 was leaked, showing Combs assaulting Cassie. This incident led to significant repercussions for Combs. On June 4, he sold his majority stake in Revolt, a media company focused on hip-hop and youth culture. He had already stepped down as Chairman in November following Cassie’s lawsuit. Although the company did not cite the leaked footage as a reason for his departure, Howard University rescinded the honorary doctorate it had awarded Combs in 2014, specifically citing the video.
The ongoing federal investigation adds another layer to Combs’ legal challenges. While the exact nature of the investigation remains unclear, it is evident that Combs is under significant scrutiny. The federal grand jury’s involvement suggests that investigators are taking the allegations seriously, although it remains to be seen whether this will lead to formal charges.
As the investigation continues, Combs’ legal team will likely be preparing for various possible outcomes. The situation underscores the complexities and potential consequences of high-profile legal battles, particularly when multiple allegations and lawsuits are involved. For now, Combs remains a subject of the investigation, with his future legal status hanging in the balance.
Source: NBC News, Deadline
