By Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned music mogul, is currently the subject of a federal criminal investigation in the Southern District of New York, with a grand jury hearing evidence, according to exclusive information obtained by NBC News. Combs’ legal team was notified of his status as a subject of the investigation last week, though there is no indication that charges are imminent.
The investigation comes amid a series of legal challenges for Diddy, including multiple civil lawsuits alleging various forms of misconduct. This development follows raids on Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami by law enforcement officials three months ago.
In May, Combs publicly apologized for a 2016 incident where he was caught on video assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. This admission came after initially denying Ventura’s allegations of assault and sex trafficking, which were detailed in a federal lawsuit filed in November. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount shortly after filing.
The most recent lawsuit, filed on Wednesday by a former adult film star, accuses Diddy of sex trafficking. However, Combs’ attorney, Jonathan Davis, has dismissed these allegations, stating that his client has never engaged in sexual assault or sex trafficking.
As the investigation unfolds, it’s important to note that being a subject of an investigation does not necessarily mean charges will be filed. The designation indicates that an individual is within the scope of a criminal investigation, but their status can change as the investigation progresses.
Combs has not received a target letter, which would indicate prosecutors’ intent to seek an indictment. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, and Combs’ lawyers have not responded to requests for comment.
This federal investigation represents a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing Combs, potentially impacting his career and legacy in the music industry. As the situation develops, it will likely draw continued attention from both the entertainment world and legal observers.
