LOS ANGELES — Sean “P. Diddy” Combs broke his silence regarding allegations that he assaulted his son Justin’s football coach at UCLA this week, suggesting he acted in self-defense and in order “to protect himself and his son.” Justin plays defensive back for the Bruins.
Combs was arrested on Monday after he reportedly used a kettlebell to attack strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi, and was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of making terrorist threats, and one count of battery, according to a statement posted by UCLA.
According to the Fresno Bee, Combs Enterprises spokeswoman and senior VP Nathalie Moar said: “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. We are confident that once the true facts are revealed, the case will be dismissed.”
New details have also emerged regarding the events that ignited the altercation. A source that is close to the Combs family reportedly told ABC News that Combs had gone to the school to chat with Coach Alosi after he sent Diddy, Jr. home from practice, but that he refused to talk.
The situation became heated when Combs threatened to call the police. The source then told ABC that Alosi allegedly went to grab Diddy’s cell phone, which is when Combs grabbed the kettlebell in self defense.
No major injuries were reported, and TMZ reports that the kettlebell never hit the alleged victim.
Alosi made headlines in 2010 when he tripped Miami Dolphins player Nolan Carroll in a game against the New York Jets, who then employed him.
Bruins football coach Jim Mora issued a statement regarding the incident suggesting the school would refrain from commenting any further during the processing of the case:
I’m thankful that our staff showed the level of professionalism that they did in handling this situation. 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.
Combs will reportedly appear in court on July 13.
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