Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ lawyer said that the searches of his Los Angeles and Miami properties by federal authorities in a sex-trafficking investigation were "a gross use of military-level force" and that Combs is "innocent and will continue to fight" to clear his name.
It is the first public statement from the music mogul’s team since Monday's raids by US Homeland Security agents in the investigation being run by federal authorities in New York.
"Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr Combs’ residences," said the statement from attorney Aaron Dyer.
"There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated."
The criminal investigation is a major escalation in the scrutiny of Combs, who has been the defendant in several sexual abuse lawsuits in recent months.
Combs is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades.
Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he built one of hip-hop’s biggest empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famous name.
He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
Source: Press Association
