When did Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs date Jennifer Lopez and why were they arrested?

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is the subject of a federal investigation amid allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking, with Homeland Security agents raiding the music mogul’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami earlier this week.

The probe comes on the back of several sexual assault accusations against Combs in recent months - starting with a lawsuit filed by his former partner, the singer Cassandra Ventura.

Better known as Cassie, the 37-year-old lodged a civil suit in November, alleging abuse over a number of years. Cassie’s case, which was settled out of court, has led others to come forward with allegations against Combs.

In addition, NBC News has reported that agents are also investigating claims of solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.

This is not the first time that Combs, a producer and three-time Grammy-winning rapper, has faced legal troubles. The 54-year-old’s previous brushes with the law include a 1999 incident that saw him and his then-girlfriend, the actor and singer Jennifer Lopez, arrested in New York.

When ‘Diddy’ and ‘JLo’ were arrested on weapons, bribery charges

As the New York Post recalls, Combs became embroiled in an altercation at nightclub in the Big Apple, leading shots to be fired. He and Lopez left the scene in his car, but were stopped by the police after driving through a red light. Officers found a gun when they searched Comb’s vehicle, leading them to detain the couple.

Lopez was let go after being held for 14 hours, but Combs was charged with criminal possession of an unregistered firearm. He was also indicted for attempted bribery, having sought to persuade his bodyguard to tell law enforcement that the gun was his.

In March 2001, Combs was acquitted of all charges.

Combs’ relationship with Jennifer Lopez

Combs began dating ‘JLo’ in 1999, after the pair met on the set of the music video for Lopez’s single “If You Had My Love”. They attended the 2000 Grammy Awards together - an event at which Lopez wore a green Versace dress that has taken on iconic status.

After two years together, Combs and Lopez broke up in 2001. In an interview with Vibe magazine two years after their split, she said ‘Diddy’ had been unfaithful to her during their relationship.

“It was the first time I was with someone who wasn’t faithful,” Lopez said, adding: “I never caught him but I just knew. He’d say he was going to a club for a couple of hours and then never come back that night.”

Lopez is now married to Ben Affleck, having rekindled her romance with the actor in 2021, nearly 20 years after they first dated. The couple tied the knot in summer 2022.