Federal agents spoke to Sean “Diddy” Combs while intercepting his private jet Monday — and detaining his alleged drug mule.
The rapper, 54, was photographed on the tarmac surrounded by law enforcement officers in a shot obtained by TMZ early Wednesday.
As he chatted with the feds, the record executive wore the same white shirt and blue sweats he would be seen while pacing outside the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport later that same day.
Combs’ associate Brendan Paul was also in the group, keeping a low profile in a blue hoodie and a black baseball cap.
The 25-year-old was later arrested and booked on two drug charges — one count of possession of suspected cocaine and another of possession of suspected marijuana candy.
Paul subsequently posted bail and was released.
A source told Page Six Tuesday that his “arrest has nothing to do with anyone other than Brendan,” calling “the idea that he’s a drug mule” a “ridiculous” notion.
Paul was labeled as such in Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones’ February lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual assault, with the producer alleging Paul “acquires and distributes” guns and drugs for Combs.
While his attorney didn’t immediately return Page Six’s requests for comment, Combs’ lawyer blasted the entire investigation in a statement Tuesday.
“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” Aaron Dyer wrote of Homeland Security’s raids on the music mogul’s Miami and Los Angeles homes, calling it a “witch hunt … based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”
He continued, “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.
“Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. 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.”
The Bad Boy Records founder has been hit with multiple sexual assault claims since his ex-girlfriend Cassie’s bombshell lawsuit made headlines in November 2023 — all of which Combs’ has denied via his lawyer Ben Brafman.
Brafman has called the civil suits “money grabs” and specifically referred to Cassie’s as “baseless and outrageous.”
Notably, the 37-year-old dancer “amicably” reached a settlement with Combs 24 hours after her filing.
Her lawyer Douglas Widor called Combs’ conduct “depraved” on Monday, telling Page Six his hopes that the raids were “the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible.”
It is unclear whether the investigation is connected to Cassie or the other accusers’ lawsuits.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
