Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested following grand jury indictment

Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in Manhattan on Monday evening following a grand jury indictment, according to federal authorities.

The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York confirmed the arrest, though the indictment remains sealed for now.

"We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time," US Attorney Damian Williams stated, following the arrest by federal agents.

Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the charges, calling them unjust. He revealed that Combs had voluntarily returned to New York in anticipation of the indictment.

The US Attorney’s Office, however, declined to comment further on the nature of the case at this time.

The arrest follows a series of legal battles and allegations against the 54-year-old music producer, including several accusations of sexual assault. Most recently, singer Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual assault, battery, and sex trafficking, among other charges. Combs has denied these allegations.

In a separate case, Combs was ordered to pay $100 million in damages to Derrick Lee Smith, who accused him of drugging and assaulting him at a party nearly 30 years ago. Combs’ legal team intends to challenge the ruling.

Additionally, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, sued Combs in 2023, alleging years of physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape during their decade-long professional and romantic relationship.

The lawsuit was settled out of court just one day after it was filed, though Combs strongly denied the claims. Video footage released earlier this year showed Combs assaulting Ventura in 2016, further fueling public scrutiny of his behavior.

Combs has been a central figure in hip-hop for decades, both as a performer and influential producer.

However, his legal troubles have recently overshadowed his career, leading him to step down as chairman of his media company, Revolt, amid the ongoing allegations.

The charges linked to his arrest on Monday are still under wraps, but federal authorities have confirmed that past raids on Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles were part of a broader investigation into potential drug trafficking, sexual exploitation, and illegal firearms.

As details surrounding the indictment emerge, the music world watches closely to see how these accusations will impact the legacy of one of its most iconic figures.