00:00 A lawyer for music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs said Tuesday the rapper was being targeted
00:06 by a "witch hunt."
00:08 That came a day after federal authorities raided two of his properties in Miami and
00:12 Los Angeles.
00:14 And amid allegations of sexual misconduct, a lawyer for Combs said the raids, paired
00:19 with the "advanced, coordinated media presence at the properties," were "nothing more than
00:24 a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits."
00:29 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to those comments, nor has it
00:33 said what it is investigating with regard to Combs.
00:36 The agency has broad jurisdiction to probe the illegal movement of people, goods, money,
00:41 technology, and contraband into, out of, and throughout the United States, including sex
00:47 trafficking.
00:48 The 54-year-old, who has gone by P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, and Diddy, is one of the most
00:53 influential producers and executives in hip-hop.
00:56 Last November, R&B singer Cassandra Ventura, known as "Cassie," accused Combs of subjecting
01:02 her to physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape during their decade-long relationship.
01:07 The lawsuit cited violations of sex trafficking and human trafficking statutes.
01:12 Combs denied the allegations and settled with Ventura under confidential terms.
01:17 The lawsuit was one of at least four civil complaints in recent months, leveling sexual
01:22 assault allegations against Combs.
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