The many controversies of Diddy

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, known for his immense influence in the music, fashion, and alcohol industries, was arrested on Monday (16 September) at a New York hotel. 

He now faces serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, marking a dramatic turn in his career. As the spotlight intensifies, we look back at some of the key controversies that have dogged the producer and record label executive.

The Tupac Shakur conspiracy theories

In 1993, Diddy founded Bad Boy Records, signing major hip-hop and R&B talents, including the Notorious B.I.G.

However, the success of Bad Boy Records also brought tensions with Death Row Records, a West Coast label led by Suge Knight.

This rivalry peaked with the tragic murders of both Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., two of hip-hop’s most legendary figures.

While Diddy has never been formally charged or arrested in connection to either killing, conspiracy theories still persist, suggesting he may have been involved in some capacity.

These claims have never been substantiated, but they continue to shadow his legacy.

Assault on Steve Stoute

One of Diddy’s most notorious incidents occurred in 1999, during the release of Nas’ music video for “Hate Me Now,” which featured both Nas and Diddy. The video included a scene depicting both men on crucifixes wearing crowns of thorns.

Diddy found this imagery offensive and asked for the scene to be removed. However, the unedited version aired on MTV.

Furious, Diddy confronted Steve Stoute, then president of Interscope Records, attacking him with a chair, telephone, and champagne bottle.

Diddy later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and was sentenced to one day of anger management.

Sweatshop scandal

In 2003, Diddy’s clothing line, Sean John, faced allegations of exploiting Honduran workers in a sweatshop.

According to reports by the National Labour Committee, workers at the Southeast Textiles factory in Choloma, Honduras, where Sean John clothes were produced, were subjected to poor conditions.

These included invasive body searches, contaminated drinking water, and shifts lasting up to 12 hours. Workers were paid just 24 cents for each $50 sweatshirt they made.

Diddy and his team claimed they were unaware of the situation but promised to address the allegations.

UCLA kettlebell incident

Diddy’s protective side over his son, Justin Combs, led to a highly publicised altercation in 2015.

After a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) coach, Sal Alosi, criticised Justin during a training session, Diddy allegedly confronted the coach in his office. The confrontation escalated, with Diddy reportedly attacking Alosi with a kettlebell.

Although the rapper was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office later dropped the felony charges.

Nightclub shooting with Jennifer Lopez

In December 1999, Diddy and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were involved in a nightclub shooting in New York.

Following the incident, police stopped the couple and charged them with criminal possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property.

While Lopez was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, the trial placed a heavy strain on the couple’s relationship, leading to their breakup.

Diddy was later acquitted of all charges, and soon after, he changed his name to P Diddy.

As Diddy now faces the most serious legal battle of his career, the controversies from his past have resurfaced, further complicating his public image and legacy.