A federal grand jury has reportedly been empaneled to hear evidence against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
CNN reports federal investigators have notified Combs’ accusers they could be brought in to testify in New York City. That would move the U.S. Justice Department a step closer to a possible indictment for the Bad Boy Records founder.
Sources told CNN the investigation is ongoing, potential witnesses haven’t been prepped for testimony and investigators are still gathering evidence. They also claimed that they’re working to make sure any indictment would be “bulletproof.”
Since late last year, Combs has been named in eight civil lawsuits. Seven of those have accused Combs of sexual assault.
Among those lawsuits was one filed by Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura. In November of 2023, the singer filed a shocking lawsuit against the hip-hop impresario accusing him of physical abuse, rape and sex trafficking. The two settled the lawsuit out of court a day after she filed.
Amid the lawsuits, Combs’ team denied all the allegations against him.
Earlier this month, surveillance video from 2016 was released showing Combs beating Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel. The assault corroborates an account of assault listed in her lawsuit.
Combs took to social media to apologize.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that,” Combs begins in a brief recording shared on Instagram. “I was ****ed up … I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions.”
While the social media post appears to admit a crime, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced that criminal charges would not be filed due to the statute of limitations running out.
In March, Homeland Security agents raided homes tied to Combs in Los Angeles and Miami.
At the time, federal officials told Nexstar’s KTLA that “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.”
According to CNN, the investigation was handled by the Department of Homeland Security’s team that handles human trafficking crimes.
The outlet also reported that the allegations stem from many of the allegations put forth in several civil lawsuits that have been filed against him. The lawsuits contain claims of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking.
Combs has denied those allegations.
