The BBC has announced a new documentary, P Diddy: The Rise and Fall, for BBC Three and iPlayer, examining the cultural powerhouse Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose influence and impact is undeniable, but whose legacy could now be indelibly tarnished.
Fronted by award-winning broadcaster Yinka Bokinni, P Diddy: The Rise and Fall explores the world that propelled Diddy to stardom – and the system that may have protected him for years.
For decades, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs shaped music. The three times Grammy winning Producer and Artist was a key pioneer of the commercialization of Hip-hop. In his early 20’s, he formed Bad Boy Records. He brought Hip Hop to the mainstream working with, and shaping the careers of artists such as Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, J Lo, Biggie Smalls, and many more.
But now, Combs has been charged with criminal offences of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution and faces an upcoming trial in May. Prosecutors allege he “abused, threatened, and coerced women”. And that he created “a criminal enterprise” involving forced labor, kidnapping, arson and bribery. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has strenuously denied all the charges and pleaded not guilty.
Combs was one of Hip-hops first moguls and became a billionaire. He expanded his empire through drinks brands, his own fashion range and fragrances. He set up a media company, and was the host of multiple reality shows where he would discover new music talent, becoming a huge force within the industry and having a major impact on wider music and TV culture.
Since he was indicted, dozens of civil lawsuits have accused Sean Combs of using his power to drug, assault, intimidate and silence people. In a statement, Combs defended himself against what he described as “sickening allegations” made by “individuals looking for a quick payday”. Combs’ lawyers strongly denied the flurry of new claims, and stated that “In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone – man or woman, adult or minor.”
Yinka Bokinni explores how Sean Combs – AKA P Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy, Brother Love – has gone from being the world’s biggest Hip-hop mogul, to hemorrhaging friends and fans in a matter of months.
Yinka will map his extraordinary success and influence, and his far-reaching impact on music, fashion and culture – while meeting those close to him to understand what may have led to this very public disgrace. Yinka will explore how this case has been a significant topic of conversation across press and social media- with constant speculation and sometimes rumour. Taking nothing at face value, Yinka will unpack the interplay of power, money, moral corruption, and sexism, which underpins this story.
Holding a mirror up to society, Yinka will examine how Combs made it to the top, and what some may have turned a blind eye to along the way. Speaking to some of Combs’ inner circle, and biggest critics, Yinka will find out what they think about him. She’ll also ask why so many are only speaking out now.
Yinka Bokinni says: “My job is to tell stories—but never did I imagine I’d be telling this one. Investigating the alleged actions of Diddy has forced a spotlight onto the darker side of an industry so many of us dream of belonging to. We sang his songs, bought into the lifestyle, watched the shows and wanted more. This has been an emotional, sometimes difficult experience. And with a trial on the horizon, what happens next will no doubt be gripping—in the most sobering way”.
As Sean Combs’ trial looms, P Diddy: The Rise and Fall aims to unravel the layers of power and control that have defined Combs’ career – and the cost it may have extracted on those around him.
P Diddy: The Rise and Fall is a Proper Content production for BBC Three and iPlayer. It was commissioned for the BBC by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three. Carl Callam is the Commissioning Editor for the BBC. Executive Producers for Proper Content are David DeHaney and Rachel Harvie. Produced and directed by Eddie Hutton-Mills, Amelia Ellis also produces and Yinka Bokinni is Associate Producer.
