Sean “Diddy” Combs, a once-celebrated music mogul, now finds his illustrious reputation marred by alarming allegations from former insiders of Bad Boy Records. The BBC's investigation sheds light on a toxic culture during the label's glory days in the 1990s, with over 20 testimonies revealing incidents of sexual misconduct and erratic behavior linked to Combs.
Daniel Evans, a former executive at Bad Boy, recalls a blunt threat issued by Combs in 1997, where he expressed how easily he could hire a hitman without anyone noticing. Evans noted that such behavior emerged alongside Combs’s growing wealth—he had recently secured a $6 million reward celebrating the label’s success featuring artists like The Notorious B.I.G.
As Combs prepares for trial in May on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, the accounts reveal shocking observations from within the label's offices and recording studios. Employees recall witnessing Combs engaging in sexual acts with women while at the studio. One incident described includes instances where women seemed unable to respond during intimate moments, raising serious concerns about consent and agency.
Tony Buzbee, representing alleged victims, reiterated that these behaviors reflect a pattern that dates back to Combs's rise to fame. One lawsuit details an alleged rape during a promotional party in 1995, with claims that Combs threatened the victim, saying she would "disappear" if she spoke out. Legal representatives for Combs refute these allegations, describing them as sensationalized lies.
Combs, who rocketed to fame after launching Bad Boy Records in 1993, was lauded as a hard worker and charismatic figure. Yet, as former staff reflect, the environment often blurred the lines between professional and personal relationships. Felicia Newsome, a former studio manager, noted that inappropriate conduct was prevalent not just with Combs but within the broader music industry.
Staff members describe an environment rife with sexual relationships between interns and employees amidst a culture that normalized drug and alcohol use. Evans shared his own uncomfortable experience with a 14-year-old intern who propositioned him, illustrating the troubling dynamics at Bad Boy.
Multiple lawsuits brought against Combs now accuse him of drugging and assaulting women at his studios and private residences, contributing to the notion that his empire had a darker underside. The fortunes that made him a household name have, for many, become synonymous with rising accusations of abusive behavior.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, insiders struggle to reconcile the man they knew with these emerging claims. Many questions remain about whether the façade of success clouded the reality of his behavior, with one former colleague speculating that perhaps money allowed Combs to reveal his true self all along.
As the trial approaches, the once-revered name of Sean Combs hangs in a delicate balance between his storied past and serious present, leaving countless individuals, friends, and fans wondering what the future holds for the former "King of New York."
