Diddy is in the public eye for alleged sex crimes while questions arise about the future of his music

LOS ANGELES – Sean “Diddy” Combs created a hit empire with big-name artists, earned his place as an accomplished music mogul, became a three-time Grammy winner, and simultaneously secured high-profile contracts in other industries.

But now Combs' empire is collapsing under allegations of sex trafficking and organized crime. He was arrested in New York on September 16 and accused in an indictment of abusing his “power and reputation” to lure female victims and male sex workers into “freak offs.” There are also allegations of abuse dating back to 2008.

If convicted, Combs faces at least 15 years in prison. He is awaiting trial after pleading not guilty.

Since several allegations surfaced last year, Combs' public image has taken a steep fall as he missed out on big deals: He resigned as chairman of Revolt TV and later sold his majority stake in the company, he reportedly lost a reality show on Hulu, and his influential Sean John clothing line is no longer listed on the Macy's department store website.

After footage of Combs' attack on the R&B singer's then-girlfriend Cassie surfaced in the hotel hallway in 2016, he lost the key to the city of New York, Peloton suspended use of his music, and he saw his honorary degree from Howard University disappear in disgrace. His charter school, Capital Preparatory School in Harlem, also cut ties with him.

Earlier this year, Combs withdrew a lawsuit filed against Diageo last year as part of a settlement with the London-based spirits giant, making the company the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.

Combs may have lost his major contracts, but his music remains untouched, at least for now. While we wait for more details, let's look at Combs' music and his public image after the indictment.

Where his music stands

While Combs' Bad Boy Records is associated with 1990s artists such as Notorious BIG, Faith Evans, Ma$e and 112, his label has still been in the running with recent releases from some well-known artists.

Last year, Combs released The Love Album: Off the Grid, his first solo studio album since 2006, and Janelle Monae released The Age of Pleasure on his label. Both projects were nominated for Grammy Awards, including Monae's album, which was nominated for Record of the Year.

In 2022, Machine Gun Kelly also released his album “Mainstream Sellout” under the Bad Boy umbrella.

Despite his arrest, Combs' music remains available on several major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The streamers have not yet commented on their plans for how his music will be featured on their platform in the future.

Before the release of The Love Album, Combs gave his publishing rights for Bad Boy back to artists and songwriters. The move came after some criticized him over the years for mistreating his artists.

How Diddy’s colleagues react

Some expressed concern for Combs' children, others expressed embarrassment over his alleged missteps and actions, which have become the subject of jokes.

Entertainers such as 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Shyne, Aubrey O'Day, Charlamagne tha God and Notorious BIG's mother have publicly shared their opinions on Combs.

“I feel for his kids,” LL Cool J said in a recent interview with the Associated Press. He and Combs worked together on the 1997 album “Phenomenon.”

While LL Cool J expressed his concern, 50 Cent lashed out in a social media post. The rapper-turned-TV mogul trolled Combs after learning that police had seized drugs, videos and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant during raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Florida.

50 Cent shared his thoughts after a recent appearance on Drew Barrymore's talk show.

“Here I am in good company with @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I don't have 1,000 bottles of lube in the house,” said 50 Cent, who has often criticized Combs during the allegations. He plans to release a docuseries about the allegations against Combs on Netflix.

Shyne, a former Bad Boy artist, said he was not satisfied that Combs may face prison time despite past problems between them.

“This is someone who destroyed my life,” said Shyne, who was convicted of assault and other charges in connection with a 1999 shooting at a Manhattan nightclub that left three people injured. Combs' then-girlfriend, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, was also present when shots were fired.

Combs was acquitted of charges that he brought an illegal gun into the club and attempted to bribe his driver to take the blame for the gun. However, Shyne was convicted of assault and other charges related to the shooting and served about eight years in prison.

Now known as Moses Barrow, he is a member of the House of Representatives of his home country Belize, where his father was once prime minister.

“But do I get any joy or satisfaction from what he's going through? Absolutely not,” he continued. “I'm different from most people. Nobody has to fail for me to succeed.”

After BIG's mother Voletta Wallace witnessed Combs' attack on Cassie, she wanted to slap him. She was ashamed of Combs, who, along with her son, played a major role in the development of East Coast hip hop in the 1990s.

Will Diddy's music be cancelled?

The short answer is mostly no. However, listeners of Combs' music are cautious, with some wondering online whether it might be time to move on from his records.

Most online users believe that this could be a challenge, especially since many of his biggest hits are the result of collaborations with other artists.

Combs has released several catchy singles, including “I'll Be Missing You” featuring Faith Evans and 112, “Victory” featuring The Notorious BIG and Busta Rhymes, “I Need a Girl (Part One)” featuring Usher and Loon, “Last Night” featuring Keyshia Cole, and “Been Around the World” featuring Ma$e, who also collaborated with Combs on “Can't Nobody Hold Me Down.”