In a recent episode of his show Brilliant Idiots alongside co-host Andrew Schulz, controversial media personality Charlamagne Tha God commented on the sadness that he felt over Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legacy being ruined in the face of never-ending legal troubles.
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Currently, Combs is facing multiple lawsuits alleging rape, sex trafficking and sexual abuse. Last week, his properties in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by Homeland Security agents. The raids presumably stemmed from the suits. “This is a f**king raid,” Charlamagne stated while watching footage of agents descending onto Combs’ home.
“I don’t know, man, I just don’t like it. I don’t like it because it’s sad. How many peoples’ legacies have we watched burn to the ground? From Russell Simmons, Diddy…” When Schulz pushed back, Charlamagne remained steadfast in his observations.
“It’s just one emotion? Y’all all lying to yourselves if you say, ‘Yeah good for them, f**k them!’ These guys f**king provided the soundtrack to our lives. They contributed to the culture in real ways before we knew any of this sh*t […] You have feelings, you have mixed emotions.”
He is not the only famous Black male celebrity to show sympathy to Combs, though does the star deserve any of it? 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campbell recently spouted a conspiracy theory about how the troubling allegations against Combs is somehow due to the Bad Boy mogul’s legal dispute with liquor brand Diageo.
In a now-deleted Instagram post following the raids, Tyrese expressed continued reverence for Combs: “What I can’t do and what I won’t do is downplay the laughter, the fun, the energy, the inspiration, the awards shows, the studio sessions, the most legendary parties and events I’ve ever attended in my life,” the “Sweet Lady” crooner wrote.
Nick Cannon refused to address Combs’ situation in a resurfaced interview because he finds “difficulty” in discussing people he personally knows. When asked about Combs’ downfall by Piers Morgan last month, Ja Rule stated: “It’s another Black man in this industry going through some unfortunate circumstances...I wish him luck with everything he’s going through.”
The allegations have yet to be corroborated or substantiated in a court of law. However, Combs has a well documented history of violence whether it was his 1998 attack against music executive Steve Stoute (he was sentenced to one-day of anger management as a result), his involvement in the infamous 1999 shooting at Club New York or swinging a kettle bell at then-UCLA assistant football coach Sal Alosi in 2015.
Those incidents were seemingly overlooked by the entertainment industry and music fans alike, as Combs was celebrated. Unfortunately for the rapper, the crimes he is now being accused of are just too harrowing to ignore. In 2019, his ex-girlfriend Gina Huynh claimed he savagely beat her and stated that “everyone” around Combs “allowed” the abuse to continue.
The November 2023 federal lawsuit from ex Casandra “Cassie” Ventura proved devastating for Combs, as Ventura detailed how he allegedly raped her in 2018, beat her and made her have sex with male escorts while he watched. The lawsuit also alleged that Combs blew up Kid Cudi’s car to stop him from dating Cassie; Cudi’s rep confirmed that the allegations were true.
Following Ventura’s bombshell suit, three Jane Does came forward to sue him for sexual assault and rape. On Feb. 27, Combs was sued by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones for $30 million for sexual assault. The 70-page document—which was later amended with an additional 25 pages—outlined how Combs allegedly groped his “anus and crotch without consent” and attempted to “groom him into accepting a homosexual relationship.”
Protecting Combs’ legacy should honestly be the last thing on anyone’s mind. It took strength and courage for his accusers to come forward, as Combs has apparently been above the law and adored in the entertainment industry. These accusations goes beyond a Black man experiencing “unfortunate circumstances”—the man is a monster.
Hopefully, the people Combs has allegedly harmed will receive justice that is long overdue.
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