Netflix has responded to allegations made by representatives of Sean Combs regarding the legality of its upcoming documentary, Sean Combs: The Reckoning. The streaming giant asserts that all footage used in the docuseries was legally obtained, countering claims from Combs’ team that the project is “illegal.”
In a statement to Us Weekly on December 2, 2023, a Netflix spokesperson emphasized, “The claims being made about Sean Combs: The Reckoning are false. The project has no ties to any past conversations between Sean Combs and Netflix.” The spokesperson further clarified that the footage depicting Combs prior to his indictment and arrest was secured through proper channels.
The controversy arises as Combs, known as Diddy, is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence after being convicted on charges related to prostitution. His representative has described the documentary as a “shameful hit piece,” claiming it misappropriates footage Combs has accumulated over decades to narrate his own story.
The statement from Combs’ team expressed concern over the involvement of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who serves as an executive producer. They criticized Netflix for allowing Jackson creative control, labeling him a “longtime adversary” with a personal vendetta against Combs.
Director Alexandria Stapleton has defended the documentary’s legitimacy. In previous comments to Netflix’s Tudum, she stated, “It came to us, we obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights.” Stapleton highlighted that Combs has a history of filming himself, which provided a wealth of material for the documentary.
The series will feature exclusive footage of Combs, along with commentary from former associates and colleagues. Kirk Burrowes, who co-founded Bad Boy Records with Combs in 1993, reflects on Combs’ early aspirations in the music industry, noting, “He wanted to be in the flashy, swaggy music industry.”
Additionally, the documentary will address allegations surrounding Combs’ purported plans to transfer $200 million ahead of his scheduled court appearance in September 2024 for serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
For those seeking support in matters related to sexual assault or domestic violence, resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available.
As the release of Sean Combs: The Reckoning approaches, the tension between the documentary’s creators and Combs’ camp continues to escalate, raising questions about the portrayal of the music mogul’s complex legacy.