Netflix releases Diddy documentary despite legal threats from imprisoned mogul

Netflix has premiered a controversial four-part docuseries about Sean "Diddy" Combs, created by his longtime rival Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, despite legal efforts from the music mogul to prevent its release. The series, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, explores the rise and recent criminal conviction of the 56-year-old rapper and entrepreneur.

Combs was sentenced in October to 50 months in prison for crimes related to prostitution. During the trial, court testimony revealed that he allegedly pressured his former girlfriend Casandra Ventura into performing sexual acts with hired men, sometimes filming the encounters himself.

The docuseries includes interviews with associates describing Combs's purportedly predatory conduct, as well as two individuals who allege sexual assault by the star. Ahead of the Tuesday release, Combs's legal team sent Netflix a cease and desist letter, citing copyright infringement for showing footage of him consulting his attorneys shortly before his September 2024 arrest. In these recordings, Combs discusses finding someone experienced in "media and propaganda."

Spokesperson Juda Engelmayer claimed the footage was intended to let Combs "tell his own story" and accused Netflix of unfairly exploiting it. Netflix, however, stated the material was legally obtained. Engelmayer also criticized 50 Cents role as executive producer, calling him a "longtime adversary with a personal vendetta."

The rivalry between Combs and Jackson dates back to the mid-2000s, when 50 Cent released a diss track implying Combs had knowledge of the 1997 murder of The Notorious B.I.G. Combs was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution but was acquitted of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He is serving his sentence in a low-security federal prison roughly 80 miles south of New York and is scheduled for release in May 2028.

Author: Chloe Ramirez