Sean 'Diddy' Combs' L.A. homes searched by federal officials

Federal agents from the US Department of Homeland Security conducted raids on properties linked to hip-hop artist Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking allegations. The raids were carried out with the assistance of local law enforcement partners.

In Los Angeles, armed officers were seen entering a property in the Holmby Hills area, reportedly connected to Combs's company Bad Boy Entertainment. Similar raids took place in Miami and New York.

“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners,” the agency said.

According to law enforcement officials, the investigation is being led by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. While it's not clear whether Combs himself is the target of the investigation, multiple civil lawsuits have been filed against him over alleged sexual assault and sex trafficking.

The allegations against Combs include accusations of rape, sex trafficking, and assault levelled by four female plaintiffs in civil lawsuits. His former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, accused him of rape and repeated physical assaults, including forcing her to engage in sexual acts with male prostitutes. Another plaintiff, Joi Dickerson-Neal, alleged that Combs drugged and raped her in 1991 and distributed footage of the attack without her consent.

Liza Gardner filed a separate lawsuit accusing Combs and singer Aaron Hall of sexual assault. Additionally, a lawsuit implicates Combs and former Bad Boy label president Harve Pierre in the rape and sex trafficking of a minor.

In response to the lawsuits, Combs took to Instagram to assert his innocence, denouncing the allegations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation for financial gain. However, the legal troubles extend beyond the allegations of sexual assault. Producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones filed a federal lawsuit against Combs, alleging sexual harassment and threats over a prolonged period.

Combs has denied all allegations against him, with Pierre calling them "disgusting" and "false." His attorneys have called for the dismissal of lawsuits, stating that he was not aware of any misconduct relating to the plaintiffs.