Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently under federal criminal investigation in the Southern District of New York, according to sources familiar with his legal situation. These sources have confirmed that a federal grand jury is actively hearing evidence related to the investigation. However, 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, and an individual can be designated a target if prosecutors intend to seek an indictment from the grand jury. As of now, 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, a video surfaced showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Combs later apologized for the incident in a video posted to his Instagram, admitting to the assault and taking full responsibility. He described the period as one of the darkest times in his life and expressed regret for his actions.
Ventura had initially filed a federal lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of assault and sex trafficking. The lawsuit was settled the following day for an undisclosed amount. At the time, Ventura’s attorney, Meredith Firetog, criticized Combs for only apologizing after his denials were proven false. Firetog stated that Combs’ apology was a sign of “pathetic desperation.”
Ventura’s attorneys have 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 that Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone and expressing confidence that Combs will prevail in court.
The ongoing investigation and legal battles have had significant repercussions for Combs. He has been stripped of honors by Howard University and had a reality project dropped by Hulu. Additionally, he has divested his stake in his former company, Revolt.
In June, New York City Mayor Eric Adams requested that Combs return the honorary Key to the City, citing the disturbing video of the assault on Ventura. Combs complied and returned the key. Howard University also cut ties with Combs, revoking the honorary degree it had conferred upon him in 2014 and ending a scholarship program in his name.
In May, April Lampros filed a lawsuit against Combs, alleging that he drugged and raped her multiple times starting in 1995. Lampros’ lawsuit is one of several similar suits filed against Combs. She expressed confidence that justice would prevail and that no other woman would have to endure what she did.
Cassie Ventura also spoke out in May, thanking her supporters and urging people to believe victims of domestic violence. She stated that she would always be recovering from her past and encouraged others to support survivors. Ventura’s husband, Alex Fine, also released a statement condemning violence against women and expressing his desire for a safer world for women and girls.
In another lawsuit filed in May, former model Crystal McKinney accused Combs of sexually assaulting her in 2003. McKinney alleged that Combs laced a joint with a narcotic, pressured her to smoke and drink, and then forced her to perform a sex act. McKinney’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages.
Combs issued an apology in May following the release of the surveillance video showing the assault on Ventura. He described his behavior as inexcusable and stated that he had sought professional help, including therapy and rehab, to become a better person. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated that they would be unable to charge Combs due to the statute of limitations but encouraged victims to report crimes.
As the federal investigation continues, Combs’ legal troubles show no signs of abating. The music mogul remains confident that he will prevail against the allegations, but the ongoing scrutiny and legal battles have undoubtedly taken a toll on his public image and career.
Source: NBC News, Deadline
