Were Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sons arrested amid police search in federal investigation?

Two of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sons were seen in handcuffs as Homeland Security agents raided their father’s Los Angeles home earlier this week, but it appears that they weren’t actually arrested.

Federal officials carried out search warrants in properties in LA and Miami on Monday, as part of a federal investigation against Combs after allegations involving sexual assault and trafficking. Officers wanted to seize the musical mogul’s phones and computers, sources told the New York Post.

Per NBC News, agents are also probing claims of solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.

In a statement provided to media outlets on Monday, Homeland Security said: “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 more information as it becomes available.”

“Neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested”

As law enforcement raided Combs’ LA home, aerial images captured by Fox11 Los Angeles appeared to show two of his sons - Justin, 30, and King, 25 - being led out of the property in handcuffs. However, in a statement in which they denounced the “military-level force” of Homeland Security’s raid, Combs’ lawyers said the pair were not officially detained.

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” attorney Aaron Dyer said on Tuesday. “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 added: “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.” Earlier on Tuesday, TMZ had cited sources “with direct knowledge” of the investigation as saying that nobody in Combs’ family was arrested.

TMZ has also reported that Justin and King returned to Combs’ LA home later on Monday, before picking up belongings and leaving again.

Video - Footage shows Diddy house turned upside down after raid:

Combs on receiving end of numerous lawsuits

In recent months, several sexual assault lawsuits have been filed against Combs. In November, his former partner, the singer Cassandra Ventura, better known as Cassie, lodged a civil suit alleging sexual assault over a number of years. The case, which was settled out of court, has led others to come forward.

An unidentified woman has stated that he sexually assaulted her, and Joi Dickerson-Neal, who appeared in some of the artist’s music videos, has accused him of raping her.

Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones has filed the most recent allegations of sexual harassment and assault. According to his testimony, Combs also harassed his eight-year-old daughter, as well as his ex-partners, and loved ones.

Combs vehemently denies the accusations against him, his lawyers describing them as “meritless”.