Diddy assault video cements fall of hip-hop icon - BBC News (2024)

  • By Emma Vardy
  • Los Angeles correspondent

Image source, Shareif Ziyadat

CCTV video footage confirmed what many people in the music industry knew was brewing: a moment of reckoning for one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history.

The clips of Sean "Diddy" Combs kicking his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura - as she lay motionless on the floor - cemented his downfall, despite his apology after the leak.

"I don't see a path for him to come back from this," said Amy DuBois Barnett, the former editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine, who has written about hip-hop culture.

Combs' reputation in the industry had been "chequered for some time," added Barnett. "Many people were aware of his pretty unbridled temper."

Combs - formerly known as P Diddy, Puff Daddy or Puffy - is one of the best-selling and most acclaimed artists of all time, with three Grammy Awards and millions of record sales to his name.

For years, nothing really affected his rise to icon status as an artist, producer and businessman. There were negative stories in the industry, said Barnett, but much of it stayed out of the public eye.

Last November, Ms Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs - in which she accused him of rape and sexual trafficking - for an undisclosed sum. But Combs' lawyer said the settlement was "in no way an admission of wrongdoing".

Celebrities continued to voice support for him, but that ended with the CCTV video obtained by CNN and published last week.

The assault shown in the footage is brutal. After kicking Ms Ventura like a football, Combs, wearing just a towel, is seen dragging her across the floor.

The video appears to be a compilation of surveillance footage angles dated 5 March 2016, which CNN said was filmed at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. In her lawsuit, Ms Ventura had described a March 2016 incident at that hotel, in which Combs allegedly attacked her.

A string of other lawsuits have since been brought against Combs for abuse, sexual misconduct and rape. The latest was filed on Tuesday by Crystal McKinney, a former model and winner of MTV's 1998 Model Mission competition.

She claimed she was "drugged and sexually assaulted" in 2003 by Combs following a fashion event in New York. BBC News has contacted Diddy's representatives for comment on the claims.

When the first lawsuits were filed, the rapper called the accusations "sickening" and said the alleged victims were looking for "a quick pay day".

But the video of the assault on Ms Ventura undermined those denials.

Combs was silent for two days after its release, before posting an apology to Instagram, admitting it was him in the tape and calling his actions "inexcusable".

"I was disgusted then when I did it," he said, "and I'm disgusted now."

"I went and I sought out professional help," he continued. "I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm so sorry."

  • What we know about the accusations against Diddy
  • Diddy apologises after attack on ex-girlfriend shown in video

Combs did not mention Cassie Ventura in his apology, and her lawyers hit back, saying: "Combs' recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt."

The apology was "too little too late," said Camron Dowlatshahi, an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. "It shows the short-sightedness of Diddy, thinking he's not going to be held accountable and that he has enough money to take care of everything."

Barnett, who has written about misogyny in the rap industry, described the statement as "the most ill-advised apology ever". She suggested it was from the "classic 'famous man' playbook: deny, deny, deny. Get caught. Apologise, then talk about going to therapy."

"No-one's taking it seriously, particularly because he previously accused Cassie and others of being gold-diggers. That really angered a lot of people in the music industry."

In April, news helicopters on both the US east and west coasts filmed police raids on mansions linked to the rapper. They were part of an ongoing criminal investigation by law enforcement into sex trafficking.

The man who was idolised as a hip-hop legend has been lying low since then.

Family pictures with his daughters posted to Combs' Instagram account are in stark contrast to the images of him carrying out a violent assault.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said on Friday that it would not be able to bring charges due to the statute of limitations for assault. So where does the CCTV video, and the ongoing investigation, leave his career?

In his music, Diddy has often relied on collaborations with other A-list stars. His last album featured Mary J Blige, The Weekend, 21 Savage, and John Legend. He is extremely unlikely to be able to recreate such productions now.

But whether there will be an effect on his vast number of listeners is less clear. Fitness company Peloton has banned his music from its workout playlists already, according to TMZ, but other companies are yet to comment.

R Kelly continues to get millions of monthly listeners on Spotify, despite convictions for child sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, Kanye West experienced a peak in his monthly listeners last year, despite being dropped by brands for expressing antisemitic views.

Those who passed by Diddy's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week reflected on what the video meant to the rapper's fans.

"It's career-ending. I don't know how he's going to come back from this," said Mar Anthony, a Los Angeles local. "I was a fan when I was a kid, listening to Every Breath You Take (I'll Be Missing You). But what he did and the music, they're two different things.

"It's the same thing with Michael Jackson," he said, nodding towards another Walk of Fame star that lies not far away - in an apparent reference to allegations of child abuse made against that star.

Diddy "definitely deserves what is coming to him", said Prince Laurenz Hamlin, who was visiting LA. "But he still has built a legacy in the music industry. I think people will have to separate the art from the artist."

One woman, after snapping a photo of Combs' star, simply muttered "predator" as she walked away.

It is unclear who is currently advising Sean Combs. The law firm that previously issued denials on his behalf has said it no longer represents him.

Despite the civil lawsuits there have been no criminal charges filed against him. But the ongoing police investigation will no doubt be weighing heavily on the rapper.

"The Department of Homeland Security was involved [in the raids]," said Mr Dowlatshahi. "Just that fact alone shows the severity of what's going on here."

Diddy assault video cements fall of hip-hop icon - BBC News (2024)

FAQs

Why is Sean Combs called puffy? ›

He graduated from the all-boys Catholic school, Mount Saint Michael Academy in 1987. He played football for the academy, and his team won a division title in 1986. Combs said he was given the nickname "Puff" as a child, because he would "huff and puff" when he was angry.

What did Sean Combs do? ›

Sean “Diddy” Combs, a rapper and music mogul credited with helping launch the careers of some of the biggest stars in recent years, is now facing multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sex trafficking, sexual abuse and rape.

How much money does P Diddy have? ›

He has several business ventures and properties that add up to an estimated $1 billion net worth, as Forbes reported in 2022. Of course, Diddy stands to lose a chunk of change if any of the lawsuits proceed. Diddy has long been considered one of the wealthiest rappers of all time.

What is the name of Sean Puffy Combs record label? ›

Bad Boy Records (or Bad Boy Entertainment) is an American record label founded in 1993 by Sean "Puffy" Combs.

How many kids does Diddy have? ›

Combs is a father of seven children. The rapper and producer is dad to sons Quincy, Justin, Christian, and daughters Chance, D'Lila, Jessie and baby daughter Love, born in 2022. They range in age from 11 months to 32 years old.

Is King Combs related to Sean Puffy Combs? ›

King Combs, the son of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, defended his father amid his numerous sexual assault lawsuits and slammed his critics including longtime rival 50 Cent—who is among the most vocal critics of Combs throughout his legal troubles—in a new track titled “Pick A Side.”

Is Sean Puffy Combs a billionaire? ›

Diddy has a reported net worth of $800 million, which makes him one of the richest rappers ever, although his fortune has been amassed from more than just his dealings in music, as stated above. Combs has brought in over $1 billion in wealth in the last two decades, largely through strategic business ventures.

What companies does P. Diddy own? ›

Take a look at all of the businesses that Diddy currently owns:
  • Bad Boy Records. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) ...
  • Capital Prep Harlem. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) ...
  • Sean John. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) ...
  • REVOLT TV & Media/ REVOLT Films. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Nov 4, 2022

How big is P. Diddy's yacht? ›

Built and delivered in early 2008 by CRN Ancona, a Ferretti Group subsidiary, the 54.2-meter (177.8-foot) superyacht carries a price tag of $65 million.

Is MGK still signed to Diddy? ›

Conversation. Rapper Machine Gun Kelly has parted ways with Diddy's Bad Boy label amidst swirling allegations and lawsuits surrounding Diddy. But fear not, MGK fans, as he's staying strong under Interscope Records via his own label EST 19XX.

Who owns Ciroc? ›

Diageo is now the sole owner of Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila, two brands Combs had promoted in the past, and has no business relationship with Combs going forward.

Why is Diddy called Diddy? ›

In 2001, Combs changed his stage name from Puff Daddy to P. Diddy, saying he wanted something fresh in the aftermath of being found not guilty on charges of gun possession and bribery. “No more Puff Daddy - the first week in June, we're going to have a name-change ceremony,” said Combs at the time.

What are Diddy twins called? ›

D'Lila and Jessie Combs were born to their parents Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kim Porter on December 21, 2006. The twins' parents, who also share sons Quincy and Christian, had a long-time, bumpy relationship from the 1990s until they split up for good in 2007, according to People.

What is DJ Diddy's real name? ›

Anwar Gavilanes, popularly known as DJ Diddy, is an American DJ, Producer & Social Media Influencer.

What nationality is Sean Puffy Combs? ›

Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969) is an American rapper, singer, producer, and actor. Combs has used many stage names during his career. He currently uses Diddy but has also used P Diddy and Puff Daddy. He was born in New York City.

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