Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Lawyer Calls Home Raids an 'Unprecedented Ambush' as He Maintains Rapper's Innocence

Combs' properties were raided by federal agents this week in the midst of several ongoing lawsuits accusing the rapper of sex trafficking

Sean “Diddy” Combs' lawyer is speaking out after two of the rapper's properties were raided by federal agents on Monday amid sex trafficking allegations filed in two lawsuits against the star.

"Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences," said attorney Aaron Dyer in a statement to PEOPLE. "There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated."

Dyer explained that the Bad Boy Records founder — who is currently facing five lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault — "was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities" throughout the ordeal.

"Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way," added the lawyer.

On Monday, FOX11 broadcasted aerial footage of Combs' two sons, Justin Combs, 30, and Christian 'King' Combs, 25, handcuffed outside their Beverly Hills home and speaking with authorities.

Combs, meanwhile, was spotted at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport amid the home raids on Monday, while his private jet reportedly landed in Antigua.

"This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits," added Dyer.

The statement concluded, "There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name."

Following initial reports of the home raids, a Homeland Security Investigations representative commented on the matter in a statement to PEOPLE.

"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. We will provide further information as it becomes available," said the representative.

Douglas Wigdor, attorney for Cassie and Jane Doe — who each previously filed lawsuits against Combs — also spoke to PEOPLE in a statement on Monday.

"We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct," wrote Wigdor.

In November 2023, Combs' former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a lawsuit against him for allegations of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence on Nov. 16. The next day, they reached a settlement.

Then on Nov. 23, another woman, Liza Gardner, alleged that Combs and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and a friend in New York City more than 30 years ago, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE. Combs was then accused of sexual assault by a third woman, Joi Dickerson-Neal, in a lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court.

On Dec. 6, a fourth person accused Combs of sexual assault. The fourth plaintiff also accused him of sex trafficking and gang rape.

On Feb. 27, Combs' former producer and videographer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, filed a lawsuit in New York federal court. Jones alleged that for more than a year, the rapper sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him. Jones is seeking $30 million in damages.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Combs issued a blanket denial of all allegations against him in a statement to PEOPLE in December.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy," he said.

"Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday," added Combs at the time. “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.