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NYC mayor gave P-Diddy a key to the city months ago: ‘What did Mayor Adam’s know and when did he know it?’

March 27, 2024 | | Print Article

The Homeland Security raid of a hip-hop mogul’s properties added new flavor to the posture “New York has a brand” as a special mayoral ceremony received new context.

Monday, the Los Angeles, California and Miami, Florida homes of Sean “Diddy” Combs were raided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division. As the celebrity’s attorney released a statement on his behalf deeming the raid “nothing more than a witch hunt,” similarities to scrutiny of New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) reminded how Hizzoner had celebrated Combs months earlier.

Sharing video and an image from a September 2023 event, a social media user exclaimed “TikTok — for real!! NYC Mayor Eric Adams gives P Diddy a key to the city in September 2023. [Adams’] aide and fundraiser were also raided by the FBI recently…Jay Z and T.D. Jakes are next…”

In the execution of search warrants issued from the Southern District of New York, HSI had disclosed Monday, “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations 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 further information as it becomes available.”

As electronic devices that included cell phones and laptops were seized by agents, a suspected crackdown on sex trafficking had left many linking the raids to sexual abuse lawsuits filed against Combs that, as Fox News host Jesse Watters pointed out, included one from his former producer, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones.

“Now for over a year, Lil Rod had unfettered access to Diddy’s world: his homes, his planes, and his parties, where he claims he witnessed mountains of narcotics, illegal firearms, laced drinks, sex workers, and underage boys and girls,” said Watters on his Fox News program Tuesday. “The producer claims he was groped by Diddy, groomed, and forced into humiliating sexual performances. Diddy’s chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, is said to have been the Ghislaine Maxwell to Sean Combs, allegedly ordering her assistants to keep Mr. Combs high off gummies, pills, cocaine, and ecstasy, and maintaining a steady stream of sex workers for her boss.”

Jones’ court filing had named Dallas megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes and others, including actor Cuba Gooding Jr and rapper Yung Miami. Meanwhile, fellow media mogul Jay-Z’s ties to Combs left others pointing fingers at the rapper.

As for Adams, investigations by the FBI had seen them conduct a raid at the home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, in the fall and more recently at the home of his director of Asian affairs, Winnie Greco, over allegations she improperly used her position at City Hall for perks, including toward remodeling her home.

The mayor, who had set himself up for derision over an off-the-cuff remark that “New York has a brand, and when people see it, it means something,” had honored Combs in September and said, “Sean Combs is the embodiment of the New York City attitude. A son of Harlem, Combs worked his way to the top, becoming a successful musical talent both in front of and behind the mic.”

“Despite all of his successes, Sean has never forgotten where he came from — giving back to New York City, donating millions to underserved communities, and supporting aspiring Black entrepreneurs,” the statement continued. “‘Every step he takes, every move he makes,’ Sean Combs has proven to be a singular, generational talent. For his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy, I am honored to present Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, with a Key to the City of New York.”

On social media at the time, he’d added, “He might be the ‘bad boy’ of entertainment, but Sean Combs will forever be a New York City kid who made good. He’s given so much back to his roots, and every move he makes is proof that hustle pays off. Enjoy your key to the city, @Diddy!”

While replies for that post had been turned off, users were undeterred from calling out the connections.

Kevin Haggerty
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