Sean Combs Condemns 50 Cent’s Netflix Documentary as ‘Illegal’

The ongoing feud between Sean “Diddy” Combs and 50 Cent has taken a new turn with the release of a documentary about Combs. This Netflix series, titled “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” is produced by Combs’ longtime rival and contains footage leading up to Combs’ arrest in September 2024.

Combs’ Response to the Documentary

Combs’ publicist, Juda Engelmayer, condemned the documentary as a “shameful hit piece.” The statement claims that the project includes unauthorized footage and constitutes an “unfair,” “illegal,” and “deeply personal affront” to Combs.

The controversy intensified following a segment on Good Morning America featuring both 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, and Alex Stapleton, the series director. The segment included clips from the documentary that showed Combs just days before his arrest.

Legal Background

Sean Combs is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence. This sentence stems from a federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial completed in the summer of 2024. Combs was found guilty on charges associated with the Mann Act but was acquitted of the more severe sex trafficking and RICO charges.

Documentary Controversies

Engelmayer’s statement emphasized that Combs has been documenting his life since he was 19, intending to tell his own story. It asserted that Netflix’s use of this footage without authorization undermines Combs’ legal rights and is a misappropriation of personal material.

• Unauthorized Footage: Combs’ team claims the content is stolen.
• Legal Claims: Footage includes sensitive legal conversations and personal moments.
• Creative Control: Combs’ representative criticized Netflix for allowing 50 Cent to shape the narrative.

Release Details and Public Reactions

Despite these controversies, “Sean Combs: The Reckoning” is set to release on Tuesday on Netflix. The series has sparked considerable debate, with Combs asserting that it uses “private footage” taken out of context.

A trailer released prior to the launch showed Combs in discussions with his attorneys, highlighting the seriousness of his situation. In one clip, he stated, “We’re losing,” indicating the gravity of his legal troubles.

As the situation develops, it remains unclear how this documentary will affect public perceptions of both artists. Combs is currently appealing his conviction while serving his sentence in New Jersey.

El-Balad has reached out to Netflix for comment on the ongoing allegations but has yet to receive a response.