The rapper has various lawsuits alleging sexual assault filed against him

Despite his various name changes over the years, Sean 'Diddy' Combs is undoubtedly one of the most successful rappers of his era.

However, as looks as though his empire is in danger of crumbling after two of his homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raided by Homeland Security yesterday.

Combs has been the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct in recent times, including one by his former partner, singer Cassie, last November. The lawsuit, which was settled out of court, alleged sexual abuse and called Combs a "serial domestic abuser". In December, another lawsuit was filed which claimed that Combs took part in the gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at his studio in 2003. More recently, producer Lil Rod accused Combs of various misdeeds and claimed that he witnessed a multitude of sexual abuse during his time producing an album of Diddy's.

Homeland Security issued a statement that said: "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."

Helicopter footage by news channel Fox11 showed footage of the raid, including what some alleged to be his sons Justin and King in handcuffs.

The rapper has not yet spoken out on the latest development, but was seen in Miami yesterday.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, contact Rape Crisis Network Ireland here.