Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was defending himself in UCLA incident, rep says
A representative for Sean “Diddy” Combs said the rapper and businessman was exercising self-defense in an incident that led to Combs’ arrest at UCLA on Monday.
The representative, Nathalie Moar from Combs Enterprises told the Associated Press on Tuesday, “The various accounts of the event and charges that are being reported are wholly inaccurate. What we can say now is that any actions taken by Mr. Combs were solely defensive in nature to protect himself and his son.”
Combs’ son, Justin, is a redshirt junior defensive back for UCLA who has appeared in seven games over his three years with the Bruins. The team recently returned to campus for summer conditioning.
Following an altercation with Bruins strength and conditioning coordinator Sal Alosi, Combs was arrested by UCLA campus police and charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of making terrorist threats and one count of battery.
The alleged assault involved a weight-room kettlebell at UCLA’s athletic facilities. No serious injuries were reported and Combs was booked at Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department Inmate Reception Center.
Combs, 45, was released late Monday after posting bail. His next court appearance is July 13.
“We are confident that once the true facts are revealed, the case will be dismissed,” the statement from Combs Enterprises said.
UCLA coach Jim Mora released a statement on Monday thanking his staff for responding to the incident in a professional manner.
“I’m thankful that our staff showed the level of professionalism that they did in handling this situation,” Mora said in a statement. “This is an unfortunate incident for all parties involved. While UCPD continues to review this matter, we will let the legal process run its course and refrain from further comment at this time.”
- Mike Fiammetta
