Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested in Manhattan, federal charges linked to sex trafficking, drug allegations

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned hip-hop mogul and three-time Grammy winner, was arrested on Monday evening in the lobby of a Manhattan hotel by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing federal investigation into serious allegations against the music icon.

Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, took to social media platform X to confirm the arrest, stating, “Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY.”

He further noted that the indictment is expected to be unsealed on Tuesday morning, providing more insight into the charges.

Combs is set to appear in court in lower Manhattan, facing charges related to allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms. The gravity of these accusations has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

The investigation into Combs, 54, began in March 2024 when HSI executed search warrants at his properties.

During that time, federal officials interviewed three women and a man in Manhattan concerning the serious allegations against him. The inquiry has raised concerns about the extent of the claims and the evidence gathered.

Prior to his arrest, HSI officials had seized phones from Combs in Miami, just before he was scheduled to depart for a trip to the Bahamas.

The implications of this investigation could have far-reaching effects on Combs’ career and personal life, as he navigates the legal challenges ahead.