Netflix Denies Sean ‘Diddy” Combs Documentary Is a ‘Hit Piece’ as Former Mogul Criticises Release

Netflix is defending its new four-part documentary about Sean “Diddy” Combs, produced by rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, after the jailed music mogul’s team accused the project of using private recordings without permission.

Combs’ spokesperson blasted the documentary, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, calling it “a shameful hit piece” that relies on “stolen footage,” including conversations between Combs and his lawyers filmed just days before his September 2024 arrest. The spokesperson said the recordings were part of Combs’ personal archive collected over decades and were “never authorised for release.”

Netflix rejected the accusations, saying all footage was “legally obtained” and that Jackson, despite being an executive producer, does not have creative control. “This is not a hit piece or an act of retribution,” the company said.

The documentary opens with Combs on the phone with attorney Marc Agnifilo, telling him he wants to “fight for my life,” and pushing for a more aggressive media strategy. Another scene shows Combs speaking to his son Justin, saying the situation around him had become “ridiculous.”

Combs’ team also criticised Netflix for involving Jackson, calling him a “longtime adversary” with “a personal vendetta.”

The documentary revisits longstanding allegations surrounding Combs’ career and personal life, including claims linking him to the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur claims he has always denied. It also features allegations of violence and abuse previously raised in lawsuits, including accusations by former girlfriend Cassie, which were settled.

Combs, who was convicted in July on two prostitution-related charges but acquitted of sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence and plans to appeal.

The documentary is now streaming on Netflix.

BBC