Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Sean Combs

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Sean Combs.

Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, Puff Daddy, and P. Diddy, is a prominent American rapper, record producer, and executive. Rising from Harlem and Mount Vernon, he started as a talent director at Uptown Records before establishing Bad Boy Records in 1993. Combs is renowned for discovering and nurturing successful artists like Mary J. Blige, Usher, and the Notorious B.I.G., for whom he also acted as manager and hype man, significantly impacting the music industry.

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Full Timeline Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Alleged orchestration of Tupac robbery and shooting

In 1994, the Notorious B.I.G. and Combs allegedly orchestrated the robbery and shooting of Tupac, according to the Los Angeles Times in 2009.

April 15, 1999: Attack on Steve Stoute

On April 15, 1999, following the airing of Nas' "Hate Me Now" music video on MTV, Combs and others attacked Steve Stoute, Nas' former manager, in his office.

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June 1999: Stoute sues Combs

In June 1999, Steve Stoute sued Combs for the April 15 attack. The suit was later settled out-of-court with Combs paying Stoute $500,000.

September 8, 1999: Guilty plea for harassment

On September 8, 1999, Combs pleaded guilty to a harassment charge stemming from the attack on Steve Stoute and was sentenced to one day in anger management class.

December 27, 1999: Shooting at Club New York

On December 27, 1999, a shooting occurred at Club New York in Times Square, Manhattan, where Combs, Jennifer Lopez, and Shyne were present. Combs and Shyne were arrested for weapons violations, leading to a publicized trial.

2003: Lawsuit from Kirk Burrowes

In 2003, Kirk Burrowes sued Combs, alleging that Combs had forced him to give up his shares in Bad Boy Records through threats of violence.

2003: Accusations of Labor Violations at Sean John Factories

In 2003, The National Labor Committee revealed factories producing the Sean John clothing brand in Honduras were violating labor laws. Workers were allegedly subjected to body searches, involuntary pregnancy tests, and forced overtime.

February 2004: Settlement of Fenderson lawsuit

In February 2004, a lawsuit filed by Wardel Fenderson, Combs' driver, related to the Club New York shooting incident, was settled with undisclosed terms.

February 2004: Improvements implemented at Sean John factory

In February 2004, it was announced that improvements had been implemented at the Sean John factory in Honduras. These improvements included adding air conditioning and water purification systems, firing abusive supervisors, and allowing the formation of a labor union.

2005: Settlement with Richard Dearlove

In 2005, Richard Dearlove, a DJ performing as "Diddy" since 1992, sought an injunction in London's High Court of Justice. Combs reached an out-of-court settlement of £10,000 in damages and over £100,000 in costs and can no longer use the name "Diddy" in the UK.

2005: Resolution of assault charge by Rogelio Mills

In 2005, an assault charge against Combs filed by Michigan television host Rogelio Mills was resolved in Combs's favor.

2006: Dismissal of Burrowes Lawsuit

In 2006, the case of Kirk Burrowes lawsuit against Combs was dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired.

2007: Battery lawsuit filed by Gerard Rechnitzer

In 2007, Gerard Rechnitzer sued Combs for battery, alleging that Combs punched him outside a Hollywood nightclub. Rechnitzer claimed he was attacked after approaching Combs while Combs was talking to his girlfriend.

March 2008: Settlement of Rechnitzer lawsuit

In March 2008, Combs settled a lawsuit filed by Gerard Rechnitzer, who claimed Combs had punched him outside a Hollywood nightclub. The terms of the settlement were undisclosed.

2009: Los Angeles Times claims regarding Tupac shooting

In 2009, the Los Angeles Times published an article claiming that the Notorious B.I.G. and Combs orchestrated the 1994 robbery and shooting of Tupac, citing supposed FBI documents. The newspaper later retracted the story.

2012: Dexter Isaac's Confession

In 2012, Dexter Isaac confessed that he had shot Tupac on the orders of record executive Jimmy Henchman.

July 2, 2015: Assault Charges Dropped

On July 2, 2015, the aggravated assault charges against Combs, following an altercation with his son's football coach at UCLA, were dropped due to a lack of evidence.

March 5, 2016: Assault of Cassie Ventura at InterContinental hotel

On March 5, 2016, Combs physically assaulted Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. The assault was captured on surveillance footage and released by CNN in May 2024.

2021: Lawsuit against Sean John new owners

In 2021, Combs filed a $60 million lawsuit against the new owners of Sean John, alleging the firm used his likeness without permission and fabricated quotes endorsing their new product line.

September 2022: Alleged Shooting at Chalice Recording Studio

In September 2022, a shooting occurred at Combs's Chalice Recording Studio in Los Angeles. Lil Rod Jones alleged that Combs and his son Justin engaged in a cover-up of their involvement in the incident.

2023: Racial discrimination lawsuit against Diageo

In 2023, Combs filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against Diageo, claiming the spirits company deliberately hindered the marketing and sales of his Cîroc vodka and DeLéon tequila labels.

January 2024: Withdrawal of Lawsuit Against Diageo

In January 2024, Combs voluntarily withdrew his racial discrimination lawsuit against Diageo, and also ended the business relationship between them. The lawsuit had alleged that Diageo deliberately hindered the marketing of his Cîroc vodka and DeLéon tequila labels.

March 4, 2024: Lil Rod Jones files lawsuit alleging cover-up

On March 4, 2024, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones filed a lawsuit against Combs and his son Justin, alleging a cover-up of their involvement in a shooting at Combs's Chalice Recording Studio in Los Angeles in September 2022.

March 25, 2024: Arrest of Brendan Paul

On March 25, 2024, Brendan Paul, a former Syracuse University basketball player and associate of Combs, was arrested at the Opa Locka Airport in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on charges of cocaine and controlled substance possession. He was later released on bond. Lil Rod has accused Paul of being Combs' "drug mule".

May 17, 2024: CNN Releases Surveillance Footage of Assault on Cassie Ventura

On May 17, 2024, CNN released surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, on March 5, 2016. The incident was part of the allegations in Ventura's lawsuit.

May 19, 2024: Combs issues apology for Ventura assault

On May 19, 2024, Combs issued a video apology on Instagram and Facebook for physically assaulting Ventura at the InterContinental hotel, stating he was "truly sorry" and his actions were "inexcusable".

September 2024: Bribery Allegations

In September 2024, a federal indictment alleged that Combs tried to bribe hotel staff after his assault on Ventura at the InterContinental hotel.

September 16, 2024: Combs Indicted on Federal Charges

On September 16, 2024, Combs was arrested and indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He is held in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

October 1, 2024: Report of potential lawsuits

On October 1, 2024, the Washington Post reported that a team of lawyers would be filing as many as 120 more lawsuits, covering alleged assaults that took place during the 2000s and 2010s. The plaintiffs are both male and female and include minors.