Rapper 50 Cent has made headlines by defending his long-standing warnings about Sean "Diddy" Combs, following recent shocking allegations against the music mogul. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, spoke about the accusations that Combs, 54, is facing, including charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and involvement in a prostitution conspiracy.
"Look, it seems like I'm doing some extremely outrageous things, but I haven't," 50 Cent said. "It's really me just saying what I've been saying for 10 years." He explained that his previous comments about Combs were often dismissed, but recent developments have brought the allegations to the forefront. "Now it's becoming more full-facing in the news with the Puffy stuff, but away from that, I'm like, 'Yo, it's just my perspective because I stayed away from that stuff the entire time, because this is not my style.'"
The feud between 50 Cent and Combs stretches back years, first gaining attention when 50 Cent accused Combs of being involved in the 1997 murder of The Notorious B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace. Wallace, one of the most prominent rappers of his time, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles at the age of 24. Combs has consistently denied these allegations, and tensions between the two artists have simmered ever since.
The accusations against Combs took a significant turn when he was arrested in September at a Manhattan hotel, charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs pleaded not guilty, but his arrest has reignited public interest in the allegations. As part of his effort to shed light on these accusations, 50 Cent is currently producing a documentary about Combs, in collaboration with Alexandria Stapleton as director.
"This is a story with significant human impact," 50 Cent and Stapleton said in a joint statement regarding the upcoming documentary. "It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far. We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives. While the allegations are disturbing, we urge all to remember that Sean Combs' story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture. We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the culture's broader contributions."
Combs, who is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, is awaiting his trial date, set for May 2025. Despite being behind bars, Combs has made efforts to remain connected with the public, recently posting a birthday message to his two-year-old daughter, Love, on Instagram. "Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, daddy loves you," Combs wrote, sharing a rare personal moment amid the legal turmoil.
Mark Curry, a former associate of Combs, recently claimed that many individuals within Combs' inner circle have been silenced by non-disclosure agreements. "He gave all of the artists back their publishing rights in exchange for an NDA not to talk about him," Curry told the Daily Mail. "I think he had some kind of idea that this was coming down the pipeline. Tried to cover up his tracks real quick - it didn't work." Curry's comments suggest that Combs may have anticipated the legal issues now unfolding.
50 Cent, meanwhile, has remained unapologetic in his criticism of Combs, continuing to draw attention to his long-held concerns. His upcoming documentary is expected to delve deep into the allegations, as well as provide context for the long-running feud between the two rappers. The documentary aims to explore the complexities of hip-hop culture and address the impact of the allegations on the industry.
The controversy surrounding Combs has added to the broader conversation about accountability within the music industry. Allegations of abuse, manipulation, and misconduct have surfaced against several high-profile figures in recent years, and the charges against Combs represent the latest in a series of high-profile scandals.
Despite the serious charges against him, some of Combs' fans and industry allies have remained supportive, citing his contributions to hip-hop and philanthropy over the years. However, others, including 50 Cent, have emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, especially given the gravity of the charges.
"This is not about taking away from what hip-hop has achieved as a culture," 50 Cent said. "But we can't ignore the individuals who have done harm. It's about making sure that the truth comes out and that people are held accountable for their actions." The rapper's comments reflect a broader reckoning within the entertainment industry, where figures once deemed untouchable are now facing scrutiny for their alleged actions.
