A striking Gulfstream G550 private jet, owned by music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, was observed at Auckland Airport yesterday afternoon. The aircraft, adorned with a sleek black exterior and blacked-out windows, is valued at approximately US$60 million (NZ$96 million), making it a conspicuous presence on the tarmac.

Combs, 54, is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he is under investigation for multiple allegations of sexual assault. Reports indicate that around 120 individuals have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct against him, all of which he vehemently denies.

The jet, registered as N1969C, has been the subject of intrigue and speculation. Earlier this year, it seemingly vanished from public flight tracking systems following a series of police raids on Combs’ residence. A notice on FlightAware confirms that “this aircraft is not available for public tracking per request from the owner/operator,” further heightening interest in its whereabouts.

One theory regarding the aircraft’s presence in Auckland relates to singer Ne-Yo, who is scheduled to perform in the city on Saturday. The connection between the two has led some to speculate that the jet may have been flown in for this event.

The Gulfstream is officially registered to LoveAir USA, a Los Angeles-based company. Combs previously shared his enthusiasm for the aircraft in a short video from 2021, where he highlighted its distinctive appearance, which he acquired to celebrate his 50th birthday. “Black excellence, all black everything. All Black crew, greatest pilots in the world. Yes sir,” he stated, reflecting his pride in both the jet and the crew operating it.

While the investigation into the allegations against Combs continues, the sighting of his private jet in Auckland has sparked curiosity among fans and observers alike. The juxtaposition of the music mogul’s lavish lifestyle with his current legal challenges paints a complex portrait of a man facing significant scrutiny while still maintaining his presence in the public eye.

As Combs awaits further developments in his legal situation, the future of the Gulfstream jet remains uncertain. Whether it will continue to serve as a symbol of his past successes or become a focal point in ongoing investigations is yet to be determined. The presence of the aircraft in New Zealand serves as a reminder of the dual realities faced by the music industry elite—one of immense wealth and luxury, and the other of serious legal ramifications.