Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in Manhattan on Monday evening as part of a federal investigation into human trafficking.

Details of the specific charges against Combs have yet to be disclosed, but the arrest follows significant developments in an ongoing probe into allegations of historical sexual misconduct and other related claims against the artist, as Fox News reports.

Combs was taken into custody at the lobby of a New York hotel. According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, a sealed indictment had been filed against Combs, and further details will be revealed once the document is unsealed.  Law enforcement officials, including the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, played a key role in the arrest and are actively involved in the ongoing investigation.

Raids Conducted on Combs' Properties

Prior to his arrest, authorities had raided two of Combs’ properties as part of their investigation. On March 25, federal agents executed search warrants at Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami. These raids were reportedly connected to the larger human trafficking investigation that has engulfed the music icon.

HSI New York, along with support from HSI Los Angeles and HSI Miami, conducted these operations. They worked closely with local law enforcement to gather evidence in connection to the federal investigation.

Historical Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

In addition to the human trafficking investigation, Combs faces a slew of allegations of sexual misconduct, some of which date back decades. Among the most notable accusations is a civil lawsuit filed by Cassandra Ventura, known as Cassie. Ventura accused Combs of rape and violent behavior, though this particular lawsuit was later settled through an "amicable resolution."

An incident in May 2016 brought further attention to Combs' alleged actions when a video surfaced showing him assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway. This video, which was widely circulated, led to public scrutiny of Combs' behavior.

Multiple Lawsuits Filed Against Combs

Since the release of the video, several other women have come forward with their own allegations of sexual assault against Combs. Three women filed claims under New York's Adult Survivors Act before the law expired in December 2023. These allegations further compound the legal challenges facing the entertainment mogul.

In February, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones added to Combs' mounting legal woes by filing a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. The lawsuit also named actor Cuba Gooding Jr., linking the case to another high-profile figure in entertainment.

Additional Accusations Date Back to the 1990s

The allegations against Combs stretch back even further. In 2003, Crystal McKinney filed a lawsuit claiming that she had been forced to perform a sexual act on Combs in 2003. Furthermore, April Lampros, another accuser, came forward with claims from 1996, accusing Combs of engaging in abusive behavior and forcing both her and Kim Porter to consume drugs and engage in non-consensual acts.

These lawsuits paint a troubling picture of Combs’ past, although he has denied the claims against him. His legal team has aggressively fought the accusations, dismissing them as financially motivated attacks on his character.

Combs' Response to Allegations and Arrest

Combs has acknowledged his past mistakes, especially in relation to the 2016 incident with Cassie. In a public statement following the video’s release, he expressed deep remorse for his actions, admitting that he "hit rock bottom" after the incident. He stated that he sought professional help, attending therapy and rehab to address his behavior.

"It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that," Combs said at the time. "My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions."

Despite his public apology, Combs has remained defiant in the face of what he considers to be a campaign to tarnish his reputation. "Enough is enough," he said in a more recent statement. "For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character."

Legal Team Calls Prosecution Unjust

Combs' legal team has been vocal in their criticism of the charges and the ongoing investigation. Marc Agnifilo, one of his attorneys, expressed disappointment with the decision to move forward with the prosecution, calling it "unjust."

Another of Combs' lawyers, Shawn Holley, has also slammed the allegations, describing them as "complete lies" and accusing the accusers of seeking financial gain. Holley specifically referenced a $30 million lawsuit, which she argued was a baseless attempt at extorting money from the rapper.

Federal Investigation Moving Forward

The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, continues to unfold. According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Combs’ arrest is just one step in the larger probe, with further revelations expected once the sealed indictment is unsealed.

Homeland Security Investigations has also confirmed that they are continuing their efforts in partnership with other federal and local agencies. Their actions, including the raids on Combs' properties, have been part of a broader strategy to build a case against the hip-hop mogul.

Conclusion

Sean "Diddy" Combs now faces serious legal challenges following his arrest in connection to a human trafficking investigation.  With multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, historical accusations dating back to the 1990s, and recent raids on his properties, Combs' legal troubles show no signs of abating.

His legal team, however, maintains that the charges are baseless, and the investigation is ongoing.