Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial has spawned a slew of absurd conspiracy theories linking the rapper to several high-profile figures.
Internet trolls have tried to connect some of America’s biggest names – from Barack Obama and Kamala Harris to Beyoncé and Jay-Z – to Diddy’s alleged misconduct.
Prince and Kim Porter were brought into the discourse posthumously with theorists alleging both detailed Diddy’s alleged exploits before their deaths.
Others even went as far as baselessly claiming Los Angeles’ deadly Palisades Fire was set in an attempt to burn evidence that would be essential to Diddy’s trial.
Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five counts including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The trial is currently in its fourth week.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan say that over two decades Combs coerced women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, to take part in drug-fueled sexual acts.
Combs’ lawyers have acknowledged he was at times abusive in domestic relationships, but argue that women who took part in ‘Freak Offs’ did so consensually.
Internet trolls have baselessly linked Diddy’s alleged crimes to some America’s biggest names including Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Diddy is pictured with the Carters in 2004
After Diddy was accused of a string of depraved crimes, there was widespread fears among Justin Bieber fans that the singer may have been sexually abused by the rap mogul. Bieber (pictured with Diddy in 2014) has insisted he wasn’t targeted by Diddy
Concern first erupted last year after a video resurfaced of Combs and Bieber – who was a minor at the time – hanging out for ’48 hours.’ The pair also worked together on an album
JUSTIN BIEBER ABUSED BY DIDDY
After Diddy was accused of a string of depraved crimes, there was widespread fears among Justin Bieber fans that the singer may have been sexually abused by the rap mogul during his early years in the music industry.
Concern first erupted last year after a video resurfaced of Combs and Bieber – who was a minor at the time – hanging out for ’48 hours.’ The pair also worked together on an album.
The viral video showed the pair standing next to each other while Diddy stated: ‘He’s having 48 hours with Diddy, where we hanging out and what we’re doing we can’t really disclose. But it’s definitely a 15-year-old’s dream.’
He added: ‘I have been given custody of him. He’s signed to Usher and I had legal guardianship of Usher when he did his first album.
‘I don’t have legal guardianship of him [Bieber] but for the next 48 hours he’s with me and we’re gonna go full crazy.’
During the clip, Bieber offered simple responses to Combs – such as saying ‘yeah’ and also ‘full crazy.’
But Bieber, 31, has insisted he wasn’t targeted by the rapper.
The singer’s spokesperson told TMZ last month: ‘Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him. Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve.’
In regards to the videos of the pair together, insiders told the news outlet that the interactions were simply ‘performative’ – and explained Bieber was closer to the rapper’s sons than to Sean.
DIDDY’S MANSION SPARED FROM RAMPANT LA FIRES
When a series of deadly wildfires tore through southern California in January, conspiracy theorists made baseless claims the infernos were started to ‘cover up’ Diddy’s alleged sex crimes – and protect any allies he may have left
Diddy’s lavish house in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles, a few miles east of Beverly Hills, was untouched by the devastating fires
When a series of deadly wildfires tore through southern California in January, conspiracy theorists made baseless claims the infernos were started to ‘cover up’ Diddy’s alleged sex crimes – and protect any allies he may have left.
Diddy’s lavish house in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles, a few miles east of Beverly Hills, was untouched by the devastating fires.
But many celebrities who live in or near the Pacific Palisades area – anywhere from five to 50 miles away from Holmby Hills – did lose their homes.
Former government official Catherine Austin Fitts ramped up the theory by asking how many people connected to Diddy have avoided their homes being destroyed.
‘In situations like [the L.A. fires], I look at patterns,’ Fitts said on her podcast.
‘I look at some of the communities involved. How many of the homeowners were on the P. Diddy list?’
The Diddy list is said to name all celebrities accused of attending parties hosted by the rapper where he is alleged to abused. The list has not been verified.
There are also wild claims about the fires being started to destroy evidence and even a network of tunnels from Diddy’s home to other properties including the Playboy mansion and even Michael Jackson’s home.
There are claims that this was a joke online.
KAMALA HARRIS WENT TO DIDDY’S FREAK-OFFS
Former Vice President Kamala Harris (pictured last month) was linked to Diddy in the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election
President Donald Trump even shared a meme featuring a doctored image of Harris and Diddy to his Truth Social platform, saying: ‘Madam vice president, have you ever been involved with or engaged in one of Puff Daddies freak offs?’
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was linked to Diddy in the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election thanks to a resurfaced tweet.
Harris, during her run for the White House in 2019, praised Diddy for hosting a town hall on racial inequality for her campaign.
‘There’s a lot at stake for our communities right now and it’s critical we bring to the forefront how coronavirus is perpetuating racial inequality and health disparities,’ the tweet read.
But conservatives jumped at the opportunity to bring up the old tweet, with some pointing out ‘this didn’t age well…’
President Donald Trump even shared a meme featuring a doctored image of Harris and Diddy to his Truth Social platform, saying: ‘Madam vice president, have you ever been involved with or engaged in one of Puff Daddies freak offs?’
BEYONCE AND JAY-Z RAN CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE WITH DIDDY
Beyoncé and Jay-Z were baselessly accused of being involved in a criminal enterprise with Diddy last year by a guest on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored show. Beyonce is pictured with Combs and her husband Jay-Z in 2004
Jay-Z came under fire after he was accused in a lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old alongside Combs after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. The complaint was dismissed by the alleged victim’s attorney in February this year. Diddy and Jay-Z are pictured in 2020
Beyoncé and Jay-Z were baselessly accused of being involved in a criminal enterprise with Diddy last year.
The allegations surfaced on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored show when singer Jaguar Wright, who appeared as a guest on the program, suggested the pair had committed crimes similar to those of which Diddy has been accused.
Wright told the media personality she had been ‘screaming’ that ‘Diddy and Jay-Z are ‘monsters’ for four years.
But Morgan was forced to issue an apology to the famous couple after their lawyers contacted him, saying the allegations were ‘totally false and have no basis in fact’.
Wright’s claims, which Morgan said would ‘have an audience with or without shows like mine’, were edited out of the program, BBC reported.
Morgan also apologized, saying: ‘Editing interviews is not something we do lightly at a show called Uncensored. But like the proverbial cries of ‘fire’ in a crowded theatre, there are legal limits on us, too. And we apologize to Jay-Z and Beyoncé.’
Jay-Z also came under fire after he was accused in a lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old alongside Combs after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
The complaint was dismissed by the alleged victim’s attorney in February this year.
The 99 problems hitmaker released a statement after the suit was dropped, saying: ‘Today is a victory. The frivolous, fictitious and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere.
‘The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims. I would not wish this experience on anyone.’
WILL SMITH SOLD HIS DAUGHTER TO DIDDY
A fake news story, based on no evidence whatsoever, went viral in October last year, alleging that Will Smith sold his daughter Willow Smith to Diddy (pictured with Will in 2004)
One conspiracy theorist even peddled an allegation that the children’s mother Jada Pinkett Smith sold Jaden Smith to the rapper. Pictured in 2022: Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith and Trey Smith
A fake news story, based on no evidence whatsoever, went viral in October last year, alleging that Will Smith sold his daughter Willow Smith to Diddy.
The article featured a doctored image of Willow, 23, and the rap mogul in bed together, prompting widespread speculation that she had been harmed by Diddy.
Internet sleuths posted lengthy videos claiming that there was ‘deeply unsettling’ ‘leaked footage’ showing both Willow and her older brother Jaden, 26, in ‘compromising situations’ with Diddy.
One conspiracy theorist even peddled an allegation that the children’s mother Jada Pinkett Smith sold Jaden to the rapper.
There is no evidence to support any of the allegations about the Smith family.
DIDDY HAS FOOTAGE OF BARACK OBAMA
Conspiracy theorists quickly looped Former President Barack Obama into the Diddy dialogue after the disgraced rapper was arrested last year and footage of them together resurfaced
Obama first crossed paths with Diddy in 2004 when the music mogul rallied support for Democrats ahead of that year’s DNC. This included Diddy interviewing Obama for MTV, (pictured) where the politician praised the rapper for encouraging people to get out the vote
Conspiracy theorists quickly looped Former President Barack Obama into the Diddy dialogue after the disgraced rapper was arrested last year and an image of them together resurfaced.
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk discussed the pair’s connection on his web show, even baselessly questioning: ‘Maybe P. Diddy has footage of Barack Obama doing something he shouldn’t have been doing?’
Obama first crossed paths with Diddy in 2004 when the music mogul rallied support for Democrats ahead of that year’s DNC. This included Diddy interviewing Obama for MTV, where Obama praised the rapper for encouraging people to get out the vote.
As Diddy’s wealth soared to over $700 million through the noughties, he became a top celebrity backer for the Democrats and used his platform to back the party in several election cycles.
In 2004, this saw Diddy interview both Obama – then a candidate for the senate in Illinois – and Hillary Clinton.
Footage of Diddy’s brief interview with Obama, which was widely circulated in wake of the rapper’s arrest, saw the politician praised the Diddy’s efforts ‘because he doesn’t have to do this.’
‘This is part of what is important about giving back,’ the young Obama said.
Their exchange appeared jovial, as Diddy made fun of Obama sweating at the convention as he said he ‘wanted to apologize for not sweating’ while Obama jokingly padded his head with a napkin.
Diddy would go on to support Obama’s successful run for the White House in 2008, including hosting a ‘Last Chance for Change’ rally for the then-candidate in Florida days before the election.
Obama was bizarrely named in Diddy’s ongoing federal trial in shocking testimony about drug-taking at the rapper’s infamous ‘freak off’ parties.
Diddy’s former personal assistant David James testified that A-listers would pop pills including Percocet and ecstasy at the parties.
He did not say Obama was ever in attendance at the parties – but said celebrities would celebrate with ‘various pills in the shape of the former president’s face’, the court heard.
PRINCE’S SECRET RECORDING
Just last month a rumor circulated online that federal prosecutors presented a secret recording of Prince exposing Diddy as evidence in the rapper’s trial. Pictured are Prince and Diddy talking at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game
Just last month a rumor circulated online that federal prosecutors presented a secret recording of Prince exposing Diddy as evidence in the rapper’s trial.
The rumor alleged that Prince, before his death, divulged details of the alleged illicit activities from Diddy’s parties.
He also warned ‘if something happens to me, this recording needs to go to the press or the police, either one’, according to the theory.
But the alleged video or audio recording never surfaced.
AI-generated content claiming to be a ‘Prince & ‘Diddy’ video’ has been shared online, but factcheckers on sites like YouTube have added disclaimers that the footage is ‘altered or synthetic content’.
Prince was mentioned in the Diddy trial by Cassie Ventura who, in her testimony, said she fled a party at the musician’s house just before Diddy assaulted her at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Prince died on April 21, 2016. The coroner ruled that the seven-time Grammy-winner died from an accidental fentanyl overdose.
KIM PORTER’S LOST WORDS
Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Kimberly Porter was tied to the trial from beyond the grave after the publication of a fabricated salacious memoir that purported to tell the story of an abusive relationship between the pair
Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Kimberly Porter was tied to the trial from beyond the grave after the publication of a fabricated salacious memoir that purported to tell the story of an abusive relationship between the pair.
Porter and Combs’ children denounced the 59-page book – titled Kim’s Lost Words: A journey for justice, from the other side… – as a complete fabrication after it became a bestseller on Amazon in September last year.
‘We were made aware of a dispute regarding this title and have notified the publisher,’ an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. ‘The book is not currently available for sale in our store.’
The independent publisher is Todd Christopher Guzze, who goes by the name Chris Todd and defines his occupation as an ‘investigative producer, author and journalist.’
Todd told The Associated Press in a phone interview in September that sources ‘very close to Kim and Sean Combs’ provided him with a ‘flash drive, documents and tapes’ from Porter that he eventually pieced together to create the memoir.
Todd used the pseudonym Jamal T. Millwood when publishing the title. The name is an apparent reference to a conspiracy theory involving rapper Tupac Shakur, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1996.
The theory baselessly claims that Tupac faked his death and was using the alias Jamal T. Millwood.
