Netflix stands by Ted Sarandos despite Diddy's attorneys alleging stolen footage in 50 Cent's "Vindictive" Docuseries

Netflix is defending its co-CEO Ted Sarandos following a cease-and-desist notice sent by Sean Diddy Combs legal team concerning the upcoming docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning. The streaming giant rejects claims that Curtis 50 Cent Jackson was brought in to produce the series as retaliation after Combs declined a Netflix offer.

The four-part series, set to premiere soon, examines Combs career spanning several decades. On Monday, Netflixs chief legal officer received a letter from Combs representatives demanding the series be removed from the platform. According to the letter, which was reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, newly filmed footage of Combscaptured days before his September 2024 arrest in New Yorkwas allegedly "stolen," and Jackson was supposedly given control of the series.

The legal team claims Jackson was enlisted for a hit piece after a planned documentary deal with Netflix fell through. The program is based on fabrications stemming from Mr. Jacksons personal vendetta against Mr. Combs, the letter stated, insisting that Netflix should pull the series immediately.

Netflix responded to the allegations, asserting that the claims are false. A company representative told The Hollywood Reporter, The project has no connection to prior discussions between Sean Combs and Netflix. The footage was obtained legally. This is not a retribution project. Curtis Jackson is an executive producer but does not hold creative control. No payments were made to participants.

Diddys lawyers argued that Sarandos recruited Jackson as a retaliatory move and that individuals appearing in the series were allegedly compensated to speak negatively about Combs, presenting a distorted narrative of their rivalry. The letter described it as an attempt to create a one-sided character assassination under the guise of a documentary.

Jackson, speaking before the series release, emphasized that his access in the hip-hop community enabled the project, without mentioning paying subjects. The goal was to make the best documentary possible, he said, noting that his presence made participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

The legal disputes also reference Sarandos awareness that Combs had been collecting footage since age 19 for a potential self-produced documentary. Combs new PR representative, Juda Engelmayer, described Netflixs actions as fundamentally unfair and illegal in misappropriating the material.

The statement further highlighted Combs respect for Sarandos and Clarence Avants legacy, describing the decision to give the series to Jacksonwho had criticized Combs publicly for yearsas a personal affront. The legality of filming Combs prior to his arrest was confirmed by the director, who said all material was obtained completely legally.

The cease-and-desist letter warns that Combs is prepared to take legal action, as he has in the past, citing a previous $100 million defamation suit against NBCUniversal over a Peacock documentary titled Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy.

Author: Grace Ellison