Sean “Diddy” Combs is reportedly planning to sell his Los Angeles mansion for a staggering $70 million, a significant increase from the $40 million he paid for it in 2014. This decision comes in the wake of federal raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami earlier this year, part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation.
The raids, conducted by Homeland Security, saw agents searching for evidence that could link Combs to the allegations. Items such as laptops and flash drives were seized. Hal Kempfer, a Homeland Security expert, noted that the evidence gathered was crucial to the investigation.
During the raid, Diddy’s sons, Justin and Christian Combs, were detained. Their mother, Misa Hylton, took to Instagram to criticize the authorities’ actions, describing the force used as “overzealous and overtly militarized.” She argued that if the sons belonged to a non-Black celebrity, they would not have been treated with the same aggression. Her post, which has since been deleted, condemned the attempt to humiliate and terrorize her sons.
The Los Angeles mansion, located in the upscale Holmby Hills neighborhood, spans 17,000 square feet and includes eight bedrooms and eleven bathrooms. The property also features a 3,000-square-foot guesthouse, a separate spa house with a steam room, massage room, and beauty salon, as well as a gym, wine room, and an underwater swimming tunnel connecting to a grotto.
Despite the luxury, records indicate that Diddy took out two mortgages on the property, neither of which has been fully paid off. The decision to sell the mansion appears to be part of a broader move to distance himself from Los Angeles, with reports suggesting that he is “done for good” with the city.
The federal raids were not the only legal troubles Diddy faced this year. He has been hit with multiple sexual assault lawsuits, some of which are reportedly being used to build a case against him in the Southern District of New York. Among the allegations is a settled lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who accused him of assaulting her in 2016. Surveillance footage of the incident, which surfaced recently, shows Diddy throwing Ventura to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her by her sweatshirt.
In response to the footage and the allegations, Diddy released a video statement apologizing for his behavior. He acknowledged that his actions were inexcusable and took full responsibility. Despite his apology, the public backlash has been severe. Diddy has returned several accolades, including the key to the city of New York, and Howard University has revoked his honorary degree.
Amid these legal and social challenges, Diddy has been trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. He recently deleted all posts from his Instagram account and has been seen engaging in activities like whitewater rafting. However, the sale of his Los Angeles mansion marks a significant shift in his personal and professional life.
The mansion’s sale price of $70 million is a testament to its opulence. The property boasts a 35-seat theater, a guest house, and a swimming pool with a grotto. Despite these amenities, the federal raid left the home in disarray, with personal belongings scattered and significant property damage reported.
Diddy’s decision to sell the mansion and potentially cut ties with Los Angeles comes as he continues to deny all allegations against him. In a statement, he said, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
As the legal proceedings continue, Diddy remains under intense scrutiny. The sale of his Los Angeles mansion could be seen as a strategic move to focus on his defense and perhaps start anew in a different location. For now, he appears to be spending most of his time at his Miami home, away from the spotlight of Los Angeles.
The coming months will likely be crucial for Diddy as he navigates these legal challenges and attempts to rebuild his reputation. The sale of his mansion is just one step in what promises to be a long and complicated journey.
Source: TMZ, Fox 11, Los Angeles Times, CNN