Diddy under spotlight for alleged sex crimes as questions arise over his future – National
Sean “Diddy” Combs has built a successful empire with top artists, earning his place as a savvy music mogul and becoming a three-time Grammy winner while landing high-profile deals in other industries.
But today, Combs’ kingdom is crumbling under accusations of sex trafficking and racketeering. He was arrested in New York on September 16 and charged in an indictment with using his “power and prestige” to entice female victims and male sex workers to engage in “freak offs,” and with accusations of abuse dating back to 2008.
If convicted, Combs faces at least 15 years in prison. He is awaiting trial after pleading not guilty.
Since several allegations surfaced last year, Combs’ public image has plummeted, as major deals have slipped away from him: He resigned as president of Revolt TV and later sold his majority stake in the company. He reportedly lost a reality show with Hulu, and his influential Sean John fashion line is no longer available on the Macy’s website.
After footage of Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a hotel hallway surfaced in 2016, he lost his key to New York City, Peloton suspended use of his music, and he saw his honorary degree from Howard University disappear in disgrace. His charter school, Capital Preparatory School in Harlem, also cut ties with him.
Earlier this year, Combs withdrew a lawsuit filed last year against Diageo as part of a settlement with the London-based spirits giant, making the company the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.
Combs may have lost his major contracts, but his music remains intact, at least for now. While we wait for more details, let’s take a look at Combs’ music and public image after his indictment.
Where is his music located?
Combs’ Bad Boy Records label may be associated with ’90s artists like Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e and 112, but his label was still in the game with recent releases from a few popular artists.
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Last year, Combs released his first solo studio album since 2006 with The Love Album: Off the Grid and Janelle Monae released The Age of Pleasure through her label. Both projects were nominated for Grammy Awards, including Monae’s album, which was nominated for Record of the Year.
In 2022, Machine Gun Kelly released his album Sale to the general public under the Bad Boy umbrella too.
Despite his arrest, Combs’ music is still available on several major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The streamers have yet to comment on how his music will be featured on their platforms moving forward.
Before the release of The love albumCombs has reassigned his Bad Boy publishing rights to artists and songwriters, a move that came after some criticized him over the years for mistreating his artists.
How Diddy’s peers react
Some have expressed concern for Combs’ children, while others feel shame over his missteps and alleged actions, which have become the butt of jokes.
Artists 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Shyne, Aubrey O’Day, Charlamagne tha God and Notorious B.I.G.’s mother have publicly shared their thoughts on Combs.
“I feel sorry for his kids,” LL Cool J told The Associated Press in a recent interview. He and Combs collaborated on the 1997 album Phenomenon.
While LL Cool J expressed his concern, 50 Cent took to social media to speak out. The rapper-turned-TV mogul trolled Combs after learning that law enforcement seized drugs, videos and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lube during raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Florida.
50 Cent has released his thoughts after a recent appearance on Drew Barrymore’s talk show.
“I’m in good company with @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I don’t have 1,000 bottles of lube in my house,” said 50 Cent, who has often criticized Combs during the allegations. He plans to release a Netflix docuseries about the allegations against Combs.
Shyne, a former Bad Boy artist, said he found no satisfaction in seeing Combs potentially face prison time despite past issues between them.
“This is someone who destroyed my life,” said Shyne, who was convicted of assault and other charges stemming from a shooting at a Manhattan nightclub that injured three people in 1999. Combs’ girlfriend at the time, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, was also present when the shots rang out.
Combs was acquitted of charges that he brought an illegal weapon into the club and tried to bribe his driver to agree to take the weapon. However, Shyne was convicted of assault and other charges related to the shooting and served about eight years in prison.
Now known as Moses Barrow, he is a member of the House of Representatives of his native Belize, where his father was once prime minister.
“But do I feel joy or satisfaction in what he’s going through? Absolutely not,” he continued. “I’m different from most people. No one has to fail for me to succeed.”
After BIG’s mother, Voletta Wallace, saw Combs attack Cassie, she wanted to “slap” him. She felt embarrassed for Combs, who, along with his son, played a significant role in shaping East Coast hip-hop in the 1990s.
Are people canceling Diddy’s music?
The answer is generally no. However, Combs’ listeners are exercising caution. Some online wonder if it’s time to move on from his records.
Most netizens feel that this could be a challenge, especially since many of his biggest hits are collaborations with other artists.
Combs has had several infectious singles, including I will miss you with Faith Evans and 112, Victory with The Notorious BIG and Busta Rhymes, I Need a Girl (Part One) with Usher and Loon, Last night with Keyshia Cole and I have been around the world with Ma$e, who also teamed with Combs on No one can hold me back.
