Authorities searched Diddy’s property as part of the Andscape sex trafficking investigation

LOS ANGELES — In the first nine months of 2023. Sean “Diddy” Combs he performed triumphantly at the MTV VMAs, released an R&B album that received a Grammy nomination and courted the BET network.

However, several lawsuits filed late last 12 months raised allegations of sexual assault and rape against Combs – one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as a performer and producer.

Houses of the music tycoon in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal agents together with homeland security investigators and other law enforcement agencies. Officials say the searches are related to an investigation by federal authorities in New York.

The officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation. Combs’ attorney and other representatives didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment, and his whereabouts are unknown.

Although Combs was embroiled in a single high-profile business dispute for part of 2023, it was a case brought by his ex-girlfriend and R&B singer Cassie this opened the door to other allegations of sexual violence. Combs denies the allegations.

It is unclear whether the search is said to any of the allegations raised in the lawsuit, including the woman’s allegation that Combs he raped her when she was 17.

Here are some things to find out about Combs and the investigation.

Who is Combs?

Combs is one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the last three many years. He built one of the largest musical empires, leading the way with several entities associated together with his famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy Award winner who has worked with many top artists, including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans and 112.

The music mogul created the Sean John fashion clothing line, was related to a famous vodka brand and launched the Revolt TV network, which focuses on music and social justice issues aimed toward African Americans. He also produced a reality show for MTV.

In 2022, BET honored Combs with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his ability to shape culture throughout his profession.

Combs won a Grammy for his 1997 platinum album and single “I’ll Be Missing You,” a song dedicated to Notorious B.I.G., who died earlier this 12 months. He won one other Grammy for “Shake Ya Tailfeather” with Nelly and Murphy Lee.

Last 12 months, Combs released his fifth studio album, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Progressive R&B Album category in February, which he was not featured on. The album was his first solo project since topping the charts in 2006, which produced two top-ten singles: “Last Night” with Keyshia Cole and “Come to Me” with Nicole Scherzinger.

In 2004, Combs played Walter Lee Younger in a Broadway revival of the play, which was broadcast in a television adaptation 4 years later. He has also appeared in movies including and .

What caused the lawsuits?

In November, Combs’ protégé and singer Cassie sued him for years of sexual abuse, including rape. The lawsuit alleged that he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them.

Combs and Ventura began dating in 2007, and their relationship lasted on and off for over a decade.

The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, but lawsuits continued to be filed against Combs.

In a December statement, Combs said: “I did not do any of the terrible things I am accused of.”

In February, the music producer filed a lawsuit alleging that Combs forced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs’ attorney, Shawn Holley, said of the allegations that “we have overwhelming, irrefutable evidence that his claims are complete lies.”

Combs’ other accuser was a girl who claimed the rap producer raped her 20 years ago when she was 17. The files detailed acts of sexual assault, battery and compelled drug use allegedly committed in the early Nineties by Combs, then a talent director for the promoter’s party and a rising figure in New York’s hip-hop community.

Any consequences of the lawsuits?

Last 12 months, Combs stepped down as president of his Revolt cable network amid allegations of sexual abuse.

Revolt announced Combs’ decision via social media. It is unclear whether he’ll return to the media company, which Combs said “has not previously had any operational or day-to-day role” at the network.

“This decision helps ensure that Revolt remains unwaveringly focused on our mission of creating meaningful cultural content and amplifying the voices of all Black people across the country and the African diaspora,” the network said.

The network was preparing to rejoice its tenth anniversary.

Combs also created a web based marketplace called Strengthen your global position featuring Black-owned brands. The curated marketplace site remains to be energetic but doesn’t display any products on the market.

What happened to Diageo?

Earlier this 12 months, Combs dropped a lawsuit filed last 12 months against Diageo as part of a settlement with the London spirits giant.

Combs said the company did not make promised investments in Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila, two brands Combs had promoted in the past, and treated them as inferior “urban” products. He too accused Diageo of racism.

In a lawsuit, Combs said Diageo executives told him that race was one of the reasons for limiting distribution to “urban” neighborhoods. Combs said he was also told that some Diageo leaders resented him for making an excessive amount of money.

In Diageo legal documents accused Combs resorting to “false and reckless” allegations “in order to extract additional billions” from the company.

After the lawsuit was filed, Combs’ fame suffered significant damage. After the lawsuit was withdrawn, Diageo became the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.