Here’s What the Police Raid on Diddy’s Miami Home Looked Like
On March 25, federal agents raided two of Diddy’s luxury properties as part of an investigation into sex trafficking. After completing interviews with three women and one man in Manhattan, authorities seized firearms and personal phones. We know the allegations are connected to sexual assault and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms. But many are still curious about Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ home and details of the raid. Here’s what we know:
Sean Combs, aka Diddy, owns property on South Florida’s ultra-exclusive Star Island, an appropriately named man-made island in Miami. Star Island is accessible only by boat or a single bridge yet it’s only a quick drive to the airport — ideal for A-list celebrities and wealthy moguls. In 2003, the “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper bought a nine-bedroom, 12-bath mansion from Tommy Mottola for $14.5 million.
In 2021, Diddy bought the Star Island home next door for $35 million. Previously owned by Gloria Estefan, the 8,000-square-foot home completed the luxury compound for the now-54-year-old. Combs enjoyed the privacy and security promised to residents of this gated community — until Homeland Security got involved, which happened on March 25 at Diddy’s Star Island and LA properties.
Federal agents swarmed Combs‘ compound in accordance with a warrant from the Southern District of New York. The coordinated effort included assistance from HSI Miami, HSI Los Angeles, and local law enforcement. Paparazzi took to land and sea to capture images of the raid as sources reported that Diddy was in the Miami area at the time.
Onlookers witnessed officers leaving no stone unturned. They covered the interior property as well as the many gardens, waterfront dock, and patio areas, concluding the search that evening. In a statement to The Mirror, Combs’ lawyer Aaron Dyer called the raid a “gross overuse of military-level force.”
He continued, “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. 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.”
The “I Need a Girl” rapper has since been spotted back at his Star Island compound. On Easter Sunday, Diddy wore a white swimsuit and bucket hat while strolling the waterfront. The father of seven drank champagne and smiled, looking relaxed despite the ongoing proceedings. A Miami local also spotted Diddy at a restaurant, where he smiled and flashed a peace sign at the man’s camera.
Combs’ neighbors are in a curious position as they watch the drama unfold. During the raid, several residents watched the action. Current Star Island dwellers include rapper Rick Ross and healthcare investor Phillip Frost. Past Star Island residents include Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. The then-couple bought a home from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, later selling it back to him. Vanilla Ice, Don Johnson, Rosie O’Donnell, Enrique Iglesias, and Shaquille O’Neal are among many others who have called Star Island home.
As authorities wrapped up the raid, they were spotted loading boxes into a van, ushering a police dog out of the home, and coordinating the exit of several vehicles. On the same day, the Miami-Dade police arrested an associate of Diddy, Brendan Paul, on suspicion of drug possession. Paul posted bail and was released, as The Mirror reports.
We’ll have to wait to see how proceedings play out. However, the raid comes a month after Rodney Jones filed a lawsuit against Combs. The music producer accused the Bad Boy Records founder of illegal activity including sexual assault. This lawsuit came on the heels of another. In November 2023, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Venture, settled a lawsuit with him out of court for $30 million. According to Vulture, the “Me & U” singer accused him of beating, raping and drugging her throughout their relationship.
Prior to the raid, Diddy was planning to fly to the Bahamas with his 17-year-old twin daughters. Paul was allegedly trying to board the plane with Diddy before police placed Paul under arrest at the Miami airport.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
