Former music executive Daniel Evans recalls the chilling words he heard from Sean "Diddy" Combs in 1997, a stark reminder of how power warped his former boss. Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, had just clinched a $6 million deal for his burgeoning music label, Bad Boy Records, which boasted superstars like The Notorious B.I.G. Almost three decades later, Combs’s reputation is in tatters as he awaits trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, vehemently denying the allegations against him.
The BBC's investigation shed light on 20 former Bad Boy employees, revealing unsettling incidents that unfolded during the label's peak in the 1990s. Witnesses describe a culture marred by inappropriate conduct, including Combs reportedly having sex in the studio and using corporate funds to fly women in for sexual encounters. One former executive likened the escalating misconduct to an "egregious course of conduct" that began decades ago, citing allegations of rape and enduring threats faced by alleged victims.
The narrative paints a tumultuous picture of Combs's rise, where extravagant parties and celebrity bashes masked a darker reality. Although some colleagues regarded Diddy as a hard-working mogul, many were alarmed by his intimidating behavior, exemplified by the infamous "threat" Evans witnessed, which mirrored claims brought forth by multiple plaintiffs in lawsuits against the rapper.
Throughout the piece, the uncomfortable juxtaposition between Diddy’s public persona and the alarming allegations remains poignant. As Combs's legal battles continue and 100 new assault claims surface, former colleagues grapple with reconciling their memories of a man they respected and the darker undercurrents that those closer to him witnessed.
With a trial looming in May, the tension surrounding Sean Combs's legacy and the myriad claims against him complicate the narrative of a man heralded for his contributions to hip-hop. The duality of his character, as seen through the lens of his past associates, leaves an open question: was the flamboyant entrepreneur masking something more sinister all along?
