P Diddy
Sean "Diddy" Coombs performs during the 2015 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California, June 28, 2015. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian

Rapper Sean "P Diddy" Combs will not be facing assault charges for an incident involving a kettle bell weight and a University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) football coach on 22 June, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office announced.

The 45-year-old entertainer was initially arrested by campus police and charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of making terrorists threats and one count of battery, UCLA stated. TMZ reported that he was later released from jail after posting a $50,000 (£31,681) bail.

Combs's attorney Mark Geragos released a statement, saying, "We are thankful that the District Attorney rejected Felony charges in this matter. This case never should have been part of the criminal justice system to begin with."

Variety reported that the case has now been referred to the City Attorney's Office to determine whether the rapper will be charged with a misdemeanor.

Combs allegedly confronted UCLA assistant coach Sal Alosi after he yelled at the entertainer's son, Justin Combs, who is a defensive back on the university's American football team. Combs's reportedly witnessed his 21-year-old son being criticised as he watched from the sidelines.

The rapper attempted to speak to the assistant coach but the incident escalated with Combs allegedly swinging at Alosi with the kettle bell weight. The incident took place at UCLA's Acosta Athletic Training Complez and no one was seriously injured, Variety reported.

According to Reuters, UCLA football coach Jim Mora called the altercation "an unfortunate incident for all parties involved" in a statement released after Combs's arrest.

He was acting in self-defence when he reached for the kettlebell, the singer's reps claimed. "The various accounts of the event and charges that are being reported are wholly inaccurate," Combs Enterprises spokesperson Nathalie Moar said. "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."

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