The US Department of Justice may be preparing to indict Sean “Diddy” Combs after he was named in eight civil lawsuits, according to CNN.
Federal investigators contacted Combs’ prosecutors, spoke with them and informed them they could be brought in to testify before a federal grand jury in New York, the sources said.
However, witness preparation has not yet begun because the Homeland Security Agency (HSI) is still in the process of gathering evidence in its federal investigation of Combs, sources added to CNN.
One of the sources said HSI is making sure their investigation is thorough to ensure any potential charges brought against Combs are “bulletproof.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs in Washington, DC in September 2023.
Countess Jemal/Getty Images
A timeline of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sexual assault allegations and lawsuits
Representatives for HSI and Combs did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. HSI said in a statement to CNN that the investigation is ongoing.
At least six people have filed lawsuits alleging Combs sexually assaulted or harassed them since November — with the most recent suit filed on May 23. Some of the lawsuits also include allegations of sex trafficking, along with allegations that the rapper drugged individuals against their will.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
One source familiar with the investigation told CNN that it is “much larger than these lawsuits,” and that some defendants have been interviewed more than once. In addition, the sources claim that new witnesses have been brought in for questioning.
Federal investigators previously raided the musician’s properties in Los Angeles and Miami on March 25 as part of their investigation into Combs. A source told CNN that agents have video footage they may have obtained during the raid and are currently “contacting the people they found in the footage.”
One person being questioned after appearing in one of the videos is a sex worker who is lobbying for charges against the “Victory” rapper, a source told CNN. However, the source did not provide any additional information that could be discussed.
Cassie breaks her silence after Diddy abuse tapes surface: ‘I will always recover from my past’
Combs has denied all the allegations, saying in a statement obtained by PEOPLE in December, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the past few weeks, I’ve sat in silence and watched people try to kill my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.”
“Individuals looking for a quick payday have made sick accusations against me. Let me be absolutely clear: I have done none of the horrible things that are alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and the truth,” he said. added.
Following surveillance footage released by CNN on May 17 showing Diddy grabbing, shoving and kicking his singer ex-girlfriend Cassie during an argument in 2016 — which was detailed in a previous lawsuit she filed against him — the musician released video apology.
“I was screwed. I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I’m not apologizing. My behavior in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he said on Instagram. He captioned the post: “I’m sincerely sorry.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education