Sean Combs Under Investigation by New York Grand Jury

Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, is currently under an ongoing criminal investigation, according to a report by NBC News. Officers from the Southern District of New York have notified Combs and his legal team about his status in the investigation, as confirmed by two sources familiar with the case.

Additionally, a federal grand jury has been convened to examine evidence related to the investigation. So far, there has been no indication that charges will be filed against Combs imminently. He has not received a target letter, which is customarily sent by a US attorney when substantial evidence suggests involvement in a criminal offense. However, it is important to note that the SDNY is not obligated to issue such a letter.

Hot on the heels of this development, it’s noteworthy that this grand jury investigation takes place only three months after authorities raided Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami.

Earlier this year, Combs faced public scrutiny after CNN aired a video showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel. He later apologized in a video posted on Instagram, acknowledging his fault and taking “full responsibility” for his actions. In his apology, Combs admitted, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f***ed up — I mean, I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses.”

Despite his public apology, Combs has denied allegations of assault and sex trafficking made by Ventura. In a federal lawsuit filed in November of the previous year, Ventura detailed her assault claims, which were settled privately less than 24 hours after filing. Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, criticized Combs’ delayed apology, stating that he was compelled to apologize only after his repeated denials were proven false.

Firetog added, “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday.”

Ventura’s lawyers did not provide comments on whether their client would participate in the grand jury proceedings.

Combs is not unfamiliar with legal challenges, having faced multiple allegations resulting in civil lawsuits. The latest lawsuit, filed on July 3 by an adult film actress, accuses Combs of sex trafficking. Combs has denied any misconduct, and his lawyer, Jonathan Davis, has dismissed these claims.

In a statement, Davis remarked, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason and without any proof. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court.”

For those who may not fully understand, a grand jury does not decide on the guilt or innocence of the subject under investigation. Instead, a grand jury, comprising 16 to 23 members, listens to witnesses presented by an assistant district attorney. The grand jury can then decide to hand an indictment, determine there isn’t enough evidence to proceed to trial, or transfer the case to lower courts if deemed more suitable as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Grand juries exclusively handle criminal cases.

A quorum for a grand jury requires 17 votes, and to either indict or dismiss a case, 12 votes are necessary. Sessions are conducted in secrecy, and it is a misdemeanor offense for any juror to disclose details of the proceedings.

An indictment represents a formal accusation, indicating that the grand jury believes the individual has committed a crime. This step is necessary before a trial can commence, which involves a petit jury of 12 members and four alternates.

Regarding Combs’ situation, the investigation remains ongoing, and it’s uncertain how long the grand jury process will continue. His status could change as the investigation progresses.

Most recently, Howard University revoked an honorary degree it awarded Combs in 2014. The university also terminated a 2016 gift agreement and a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation, returning his $1 million contribution.

Source: NBC News