The rapper, dressed in a loose black vest, was seen enjoying the sunshine in the park. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams confirmed that the 54-year-old was arrested in connection with a sealed indictment from the Southern District of New York.
Officials are expected to request the unsealing of the indictment today.
Diddy, also known as Puff Daddy, has been embroiled in several legal issues recently. In November 2023, he settled a lawsuit with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who accused him of sex trafficking and abuse.
Since then, he has faced multiple additional lawsuits, including accusations of sexual assault from two women and claims from a music producer alleging Diddy coerced him into soliciting prostitutes and pressured him into sexual acts.
Diddy was arrested by Homeland Security officers at a midtown Manhattan hotel on Monday evening, according to law enforcement sources. He was then transported to the FBI’s Manhattan field office. The arrest was originally planned for Tuesday, but federal officials acted earlier due to an unforeseen development, TMZ reported.
Aubrey O’Day, a singer and former protégé of Diddy, commented on the arrest, stating, “This is a victory for women everywhere. I feel validated.” Attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents one of Diddy’s accusers, remarked that the arrest was “long overdue” and called for other victims to come forward in solidarity.
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment over the charges in a statement to DailyMail.com. He described Diddy as a “music icon” and a “loving family man” who has dedicated his life to uplifting the Black community.
Agnifilo added that Diddy has been cooperative with the investigation and relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges. He urged the public to withhold judgment until all the facts are presented, stating that Diddy is confident he will clear his name in court.
This indictment follows federal raids on Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami homes in March of this year.
