(Photo: Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs)
The lawyer representing Sean "Diddy" Combs broke his camp's silence, saying that his client was the victim of a "witch hunt" and criticized what he claimed was the "military-level force" used against him during the raid in his properties in Miami and Los Angeles this week.
Combs's attorney, Aaron Dyer, announced his client's sentiments over an email obtained by the Daily Mail over 24 hours after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated an investigation on allegations regarding Diddy's sexual abuse.
"Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs's residences," Dyer said. "There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated."
Dyer further claimed that Combs was "never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities," in response to media reports indicating that Combs and his family were detained.
"Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way," the lawyer added.
Diddy was seen speaking to customs agents at an airport 15 minutes from his Miami Beach on Monday evening (Mar. 25) but was never arrested.
"This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits," Dyer continued. "There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name."
Other Details of the Diddy Raid
Unnamed sources familiar with the matter told Page Six that Diddy was planning to fly to the Bahamas to spend time with his 17-year-old twins, Jessie and D'Lila Combs when the agents stormed into his properties.
The rapper flew from LA's Van Nuys Airport to Miami on Monday, just hours before DHS agents raided his properties, where two of his sons were detained in his Holmby Hills, California, home.
ABC News additionally reported that the agents claimed to gather evidence, including a "number" of electronic devices.
No criminal charges have been filed, and Diddy has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
The raid came weeks after one of Combs's accusers was ordered to reveal her identity. She alleged that the rapper and two of his friends sexually assaulted her when she was just 17.
While the woman's identity has yet to be revealed in the lawsuit, a judge ruled she would no longer be able to stay anonymous if the suit proceeds.
Prince Harry Mentioned in Lawsuit vs. Diddy
Meanwhile, Page Six reported that Prince Harry, the US-based younger son of British monarch King Charles III, was mentioned in a $30 million lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual abuse.
Music producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones said in court documents filed last month that guests were drawn to Diddy's alleged sex-trafficking parties due to the rapper's "access to celebrities such as famous athletes, political figures, artist [sic], musicians and international dignitaries like British royal Prince Harry."
However, the Duke of Sussex—himself embroiled in his own legal battles—is not a defendant, nor has he been accused of criminality.
It was alleged that Harry and his older brother - William, Prince of Wales - met Diddy at a party they hosted in 2007 to thank everyone who took part in the "Concert for Diana" benefit show at Wembley Stadium, held in honor of the prince's late mother, Princess Diana.
Harry and Diddy posed for a photo with Kanye West at the time, but it is unknown whether they ever hung out again.
The Duke of Sussex's representatives have yet to respond to reporters' requests for comment.
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