Sean “Diddy” Combs has blasted the soon-to-be-released Netflix docuseries “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” calling it a “shameful hit piece” built on “stolen footage that was never authorised for release.”
The documentary, produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, is set to debut globally on Tuesday, December 2. Combs’ spokesperson released the statement on Monday, shortly after Netflix dropped a teaser clip from the series.
The teaser features audio from a phone call recorded six days before Combs’ September 2024 arrest. In the clip, he talks about the challenges of navigating what he calls “the dirtiest of dirty businesses.” That conversation later became part of the legal case that led to his conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution. He was, however, acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Combs’ team accused Netflix of taking footage from the music mogul’s personal archives material he has been gathering since he was 19 to create a narrative he did not approve. They allege his words were pulled out of context and shaped under the control of 50 Cent, whom they described as a “longtime adversary” with a personal grudge.
They also criticised Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, saying Combs had always respected him and expected a fair approach from the streaming giant.
The statement went on to label the docuseries “fundamentally unfair and illegal,” arguing that private recordings, including conversations with his lawyers, were never meant to be public.
In response, director Alexandria Stapleton said the footage “came to us legally,” adding that the producers “moved heaven and earth” to protect the original source’s identity. Stapleton also noted that Diddy is known for recording himself extensively and that several attempts were made to involve his legal team, who did not respond.
Still, Combs’ representatives insist Netflix is chasing sensational headlines at the expense of truth, exploiting his personal life and disregarding ethical and legal limits.
