Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs has been arrested in Manhattan following an indictment handed down by a grand jury on Monday eveningm Sept. 16.
The New York Times reported the development, citing “a person familiar with the indictment,” though specific details of the charges remain undisclosed.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the grand jury’s decision, calling the prosecution “unjust.”
In a statement, Agnifilo defended his client, stating:
“Combs is an imperfect person but not a criminal.”
While the exact nature of the charges has not been made public, Agnifilo indicated that federal charges are likely, as the U.S. Attorney’s Office is reportedly involved in the case.
This indictment marks a significant legal challenge for Combs, who in recent times has been fending off allegations of sex and drug trafficking, and sexual abuse.
Last week, Diddy was sued by his former Bad Boy Records artist, Dawn Richard for sexual abuse.
Richard, who gained fame as a member of the girl group Danity Kane, filed a lawsuit against the music mogul, alleging a series of abusive behaviors dating back to her time working with him.
Dawn Richard, who first collaborated with Diddy in 2004 as part of Danity Kane and later as a member of Diddy Dirty Money, claims in the lawsuit that she witnessed Diddy assault his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, in 2009.
Richard alleges that Diddy threw Cassie against a wall at his Los Angeles home and subjected both women to emotional and sexual abuse.
“Diddy” has built a widely recognized career as a rapper, producer, and businessman.
As the legal proceedings unfold, more information is expected to be released by federal authorities regarding the specific charges he will face.