Popular American rapper, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been arrested by federal agents.
The music mogul was apprehended on Monday night at a Manhattan hotel in New York.
According to sources, Combs, who had been staying at the hotel for several weeks, was reportedly taken by surprise during the arrest.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York confirmed the arrest, saying that it was based on a sealed indictment from the Southern District of New York.
While the specific charges remain undisclosed, authorities plan to unseal the indictment soon.
Combs’ legal representative, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment over the arrest, saying that the Diddy had cooperated with the investigation.
Agnifilo revealed that Comb has had a long-standing reputation as a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and family man, while denying any criminal behaviour.
“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“He is an imperfect person but he Is not a criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court,” the attorney said.
This arrest is coming after a series of lawsuits, including one last week, accusing Combs of sexual misconduct.
Combs settled a lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in November, though the settlement terms were not disclosed.
Combs has consistently denied all allegations against him.