Sean "Diddy" Combs Under Federal Investigation for Sex-Trafficking Allegations

Sean "Diddy" Combs has engaged high-profile attorney Marc Agnifilo as a federal grand jury in Manhattan intensifies its months-long investigation into sex-trafficking allegations involving multiple accusers, as reported by Business Insider.

Agnifilo, a seasoned criminal attorney known for representing notorious clients such as Martin Shkreli and NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere, confirmed that the investigation was initially triggered by allegations from R&B singer Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend. Ventura's lawsuit, which alleged that Combs coerced her into a "drug-fueled lifestyle" and forced her to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes, settled just one day after it was filed last November.

Agnifilo explained, "When Ventura's bombshell lawsuit settled so quickly, additional accusers came out of the woodwork," resulting in a sprawling investigation by prosecutors for the Southern District of New York.

Federal authorities have executed searches of Combs' residences in Los Angeles and Miami, seizing phones and computers in March as part of the ongoing probe. Despite the intensifying investigation, Agnifilo remains optimistic about the outcome. "We are firmly convinced that he did not violate any federal laws, and we hope we can work with prosecutors in reaching that conclusion," he stated.

The legal troubles for Combs have been mounting, with the Manhattan grand jury probe being the latest in a series of serious allegations. In May, CNN released a 2016 video showing Combs shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel. The video supported the claims of violence in Ventura's lawsuit, which Combs described as "inexcusable."

"I'm disgusted," Combs said in an apology following the video's release.

In addition to Ventura's claims, Combs is battling nine sex-assault lawsuits since November, the most recent filed by porn star Adria English in federal court in New York. English accuses Combs of sexual assault and harassment, alleging that he demanded she engage in sex with guests at his high-profile "white parties" from 2004 to 2009, charges which Combs denies.

Agnifilo emphasized the Southern District's careful approach, noting, "I think that the Southern District is appropriately taking its time and considering many different factors." He also highlighted that Combs has not yet spoken with prosecutors and that his legal team is in regular communication with them.

The high stakes of the investigation are evident as Combs' public appearances, including boarding his private jet and white-water rafting in Wyoming, have drawn criticism. Mitchell-Kidd, Ventura's attorney, commented, "It feels like Diddy is checking off some bucket list items because he knows the walls are closing in and the indictment is waiting in the wings."

Combs' legal history in New York dates back more than 20 years when he faced a high-profile trial for gun and bribery charges after a nightclub shootout. Represented then by Benjamin Brafman, Combs was acquitted after a six-week trial.

Brafman, who also represented Combs in the lead-up to Ventura's lawsuit, declined to comment on Combs' switch to Agnifilo, who was senior trial counsel at Brafman & Associates before the two parted ways in March.

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