Wild conspiracy theory about P Diddy's secret 'underground tunnels' explained

After Sean 'P Diddy' Combs was arrested earlier this year, wild rumours about 'secret underground tunnels' at his LA mansion began spreading online - but how did they start?

Wild rumours have spread online about American rapper Sean Combs having secret underground tunnels beneath his mansion leading to the Playboy Mansion.

The Bad Boy millionaire, 54, is currently in jail awaiting trial after being charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, transportation and engaging in prostitution. The music star - who has performed under the names P Diddy, Puff Daddy and Love - has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Over the last year, Diddy has been sued by several people who have brought civil actions, claiming he subjected them to physical or sexual abuse. His ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, has accused him of rape and a decade-long pattern of abuse. Combs has 'vehemently denied' her claims.

The record producer is being held in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center and has already had two bail pleas rejected despite offering $50,000 (£38,000) for his release. He is set to try for the third time and hopes to be out before his trial on May 5, 2025. Meanwhile, social media is being plagued with stories of him and his arrest.

One rumour that previously spread like wildfire involves an alleged secret underground tunnel at his LA home - but the theory has been debunked by a news outlet and law enforcement searches. The wild conspiracy theory started when someone created a fake screenshot of a CNN television report that appeared legitimate to some.

The viral clip read "Underground tunnels found at Diddy's LA home", and sparked a slew of discussions online with false claims it leads to Michael Jackson's house and the Playboy Mansion. But law enforcement searches and construction records discredited the rumour.

CNN representative Emily Kuhn debunked the theory to Reuters, a news agency, and said: "That is a manipulated image and not something CNN reported." The agency issued a public statement to confirm the broadcast had been "fabricated".

While the CNN report was false, real estate listings show the rapper's LA property does have an underground swimming tunnel which connects his pool to a grotto on the premises. This was previously advertised when he bought the mansion in 2014.

Combs was arrested in a Manhattan hotel, six months after federal authorities raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. The grand jury indictment documents seen by The Mirror detail allegations dating to 2008 that he abused, coerced and threatened women "to fulfil his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct".

He is accused of enticing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes days-long sexual performances dubbed "freak offs". Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee has also stepped forward to declare he is representing 120 new alleged victims who intend to bring civil claims - the youngest were nine, 14 and 15 when the alleged abuse happened.

Diddy's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse on September 17: "Mr Combs is a fighter, he's going to fight this to the end. He's innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence. He's not afraid, he's not afraid of the charges." His legal team has also remarked that Combs "cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus".

Combs has spent three weeks behind bars so far but is expected to be locked up for much longer, with no exit until his trial kicks off on May 5, 2025. The trial is expected to unfold over three weeks, where Diddy will face a Manhattan jury on severe charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. If he is convicted, he is looking at a minimum of 15 years behind bars, or possibly a life sentence.