Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against NBCUniversal, its streaming platform Peacock, and production company Ample Entertainment, alleging that a recently released documentary falsely accused him of murder, sexual misconduct, and other serious crimes. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in New York state court, claims the film "Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy" was produced with reckless disregard for the truth and was designed to capitalize on public interest in the allegations surrounding Combs.
The documentary, which premiered in January, portrays Combs as a central figure in various criminal conspiracies, including accusations that he orchestrated the murder of his ex-partner, Kimberly Porter. The lawsuit points out that the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled Porter's death as natural, with no evidence of foul play, and accuses NBC of reviving baseless conspiracy theories to create a scandal. Additionally, the documentary revisits long-debunked claims tying Combs to the 1997 murder of rapper Christopher Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G.
Combs' legal team denounced the documentary as a "modern-day witch hunt," arguing that NBC and its partners relied on sensationalized social media speculation rather than verified facts. "By falsely portraying Mr. Combs as a serial killer and sexual predator-with zero credible evidence-NBC, Peacock, and Ample Entertainment have engaged in the worst kind of sensationalism," said Combs' attorney, Erica Wolff of Sher Tremonte LLP.
The lawsuit further asserts that NBC sought to exploit Combs' legal troubles for financial gain, strategically releasing the documentary ahead of his scheduled May 5 trial on sex trafficking charges. Combs' attorneys claim the documentary repackages discredited allegations to present them as new revelations, reinforcing public perception of guilt before the trial even begins. The film allegedly goes as far as comparing Combs to Jeffrey Epstein and calling him "an embodiment of Lucifer," characterizations that the lawsuit describes as "malicious and defamatory."
NBCUniversal has not yet responded to requests for comment, nor has Ample Entertainment. Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures carry a high burden of proof, requiring Combs to demonstrate that the producers acted with actual malice-knowingly spreading falsehoods or displaying reckless disregard for the truth.
Combs, who has been the subject of multiple civil lawsuits in recent months, remains under intense public scrutiny. In November 2023, R&B singer Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing him of drugging and assaulting women, allegations he has denied. In March 2024, federal agents raided Combs' homes in Miami and Los Angeles as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
His lawsuit alleges that media coverage, particularly from NBC, has fueled a public perception that disregards his right to a fair trial. The complaint highlights how law enforcement raids were broadcast widely, with federal agents reportedly holding Combs' son at gunpoint while news cameras documented the event.
