50 Cent has no problem owning his longstanding feud with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Rapper 50 Cent responded to criticism that his involvement with the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning seemed deliberately spiteful. He acknowledged he doesn’t mind being seen that way.
He acknowledged the criticism, saying, ‘I’ll take that and I’ll deal with it.’ In a recent interview with Gold Derby, he explained that he’s learned to navigate online reactions and has become accustomed to his own playful behavior on social media.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, addressed those who doubted his role in creating the show, highlighting its popularity as evidence that it explores the topic in depth.
He explained that it was initially labeled a biased attack, but that criticism came before anyone had actually seen the documentary. Once people did watch it, opinions shifted, and it quickly became the most popular documentary available.
50 Cent expected the project to do well, but he was happily surprised when it became more popular than another big show on Netflix.
He said he had a good feeling about how well it would do. However, he didn’t expect it to become more popular than Stranger Things, as that’s a very established and successful show.
50 Cent has been publicly discussing the documentary, but Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently in prison for prostitution-related crimes, strongly objects to 50 Cent’s involvement. Combs calls 50 Cent a longtime enemy with a personal grudge and describes the documentary as a dishonest and embarrassing attempt to damage his reputation, claiming it uses illegally obtained footage.
According to a representative for Sean Combs, Netflix used video footage without permission. In a statement released on December 1st, the representative explained that Combs has been collecting footage of his life since he was 19, intending to share his story himself. They stated that Netflix, and its CEO Ted Sarandos, knew this and that using the footage was both unfair and illegal.
Despite the controversy, the creators of the documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning defended their choice to include the disputed material.
Director Alexandria Stapleton stated to Variety that they acquired the footage through legal means and possess all the required rights. They also made significant efforts to protect the filmmaker’s anonymity.
As the documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning examines the accusations against Sean Combs, here’s a deeper dive into the legal issues he’s facing.
At the hearing on October 3, 2025, the judge gave him a sentence of 50 months in prison—more than four years—followed by five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.
I was in court today for the sentencing, and it was incredibly difficult to watch. For the first time, the musician publicly apologized, and it was directed specifically to Cassie Ventura and another woman, who went by the name ‘Jane.’ It was a moment I know many of us who support the victims have been waiting for, but it doesn’t erase the pain caused.
Combs stated that the experience of domestic violence will stay with him for life. He described his behavior as appalling and deeply regrettable, admitting he was struggling with drug abuse and lacked the support he needed. He took full responsibility, offering no justification for his actions.
He went on to share how the case has impacted him.
He explained that he was simply trying his best, but got carried away with his own pride and excesses. As a result of his choices, he lost his freedom, couldn’t be present for his children or care for his mother, and lost everything he’d built – his businesses, his career, and his good name. Most importantly, he lost his own self-respect. He feels completely broken and humbled, admitting he currently despises himself and has been reduced to having nothing.
As a longtime follower of this case, I was updated that Judge Arun Subramanian set the sentencing date for Combs to October 3, 2025. It was also reported that the judge denied his request for bail, and explained that this decision was based on a history of violent behavior. It’s a tough situation, and the judge clearly felt keeping him detained was necessary given the past pattern of violence.
Following the trial, after Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving his former partners, Cassie and “Jane,” but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, his attorney issued a statement regarding the outcome.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor stated on July 2nd that this legal case began when his client, Cassie Ventura, bravely filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023. While the jury didn’t find enough evidence to convict Combs of sex trafficking, Ventura’s actions allowed them to find him liable for transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution. Wigdor believes Ventura’s courage will have a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the pursuit of justice.
Honestly, seeing those charges against him… it just made me even more determined to believe her! And Wigdor, her lawyer, totally gets it. They said, and I completely agree, that she was unbelievably brave through all of this, and they stand by her 100%. I mean, she’s amazing, and I’m so glad someone is finally supporting her like this!
Wigdor also commended Ventura for her testimony, as she was one of 34 witnesses during the 29-day trial involving Combs.
He stated that she demonstrated remarkable courage and shed light on the abuse of power by influential men, as well as the long-standing misconduct that has gone unpunished. He emphasized that this case clearly shows the need for significant change, and they will continue to support survivors.
When the verdict came in—finding him not guilty on three of the five charges—Combs dropped to his knees and bowed his head as if in prayer, NBC News reporters in the courtroom observed. He had faced a potential life sentence if convicted on everything.
According to reports, Combs’ family members were in the courtroom and reacted with applause and cheers to the verdict. His lawyers embraced each other, and Combs shared a hug with his attorney, Brian Steel.
After three days of discussion, the jury of twelve reached a decision in the sex trafficking trial against Combs on July 2nd. They found him guilty on two counts related to transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, involving both a former girlfriend, Ventura, and another woman known only as “Jane.”
Sean Combs, who maintained his innocence, was acquitted of one charge of conspiracy to commit racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking.
As a lifestyle expert, I often see how difficult it can be for groups to come to an agreement, and this recent case really highlights that! The jury in a recent trial let Judge Arun Subramanian know they were completely stuck on one of the charges – they just couldn’t see eye-to-eye, with some jurors holding firm to their beliefs. The judge encouraged them to keep discussing it, and thankfully, they did eventually reach a verdict just a few hours later when they resumed talking things through. It’s a good reminder that perseverance and open communication are key, even in high-pressure situations.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik spent nearly five hours summarizing the case for the jury, arguing that Sean “Diddy” Combs used intimidation, violence, and his influence to control people and get what he desired.
She explained that he was incredibly stubborn and always got his way. He considered everything and everyone around him as existing solely to fulfill his needs.
Slavik highlighted two incidents involving Sean Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016, and an alleged assault on his then-girlfriend in 2024, who is being referred to as “Jane” during the trial.
She explained that although these two events happened eight years apart, they were connected. She described them as parts of a larger story – the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he ran with the help of his close associates.
The criminal group repeatedly fulfilled the defendant’s wishes using a consistent pattern of violence, intimidation, and control, she explained. The defendant relied on the silence and embarrassment of his victims to conceal his crimes, believing his celebrity, money, and influence meant he was untouchable by the law.
Slavik claimed that during the trial, Combs received extensive support from a dedicated team of staff who were focused on fulfilling his every need, bolstering his image, and safeguarding his reputation, no matter the cost.
Okay, so I’ve been following this case obsessively, and just found out the prosecutors filed something with the court. Basically, they want to tweak their arguments about the attempted arson and kidnapping charges. It’s like they’re refining their case, trying to make it even stronger! Honestly, it’s fascinating to watch them build this thing, even if it’s terrifying what they’re accusing the defendant of.
Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking – including allegations of kidnapping and arson – prosecutors have clarified the charges. In a letter dated June 24th, they stated they’ve removed specific legal instructions related to attempted kidnapping in both California and New York, attempted arson under California law, and assisting with sex trafficking.
The government stated it hopes that using simpler language will both make the instructions easier to follow and prevent misunderstandings.
Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.
The judge made it clear that whether or not the defendant chose to testify, no one – not even the jurors – could assume his guilt based on that decision.
Combs admitted he discussed with his team whether or not to testify, but insisted the final decision to not appear was his alone.
I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I’ve made my decision,” he told the judge. “It’s my decision, and I stand by it.”
Sean Combs’ lawyer, Teny Garagos, informed the judge that both sides – the defense and the prosecution – anticipate needing around four hours each to present their closing statements.
After several days of testimony from Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, the prosecution rested its case on June 24th. Combs’ defense team announced they will rely on the evidence already presented and will not call any witnesses of their own.
During his June 23rd testimony, the jury saw explicit videos presented as evidence. These videos, as reported by NBC News journalists in the courtroom, seemed to be recordings of events referred to as “freak offs” connected to Combs.
The agent reported finding 50 explicit videos from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of them, using headphones and individual screens.
In voicemails from June 23rd to his former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, Sean Combs described requests he made while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These included asking for more baby oil, which he said he often used when he became upset.
He told Khorram, “Have them call me before they start driving over.” He added, frustrated, “I can’t believe I’m being released. Load twenty bottles into the vehicle.”
So, my client, Khorram, decided to stay an extra night at the hotel, which was fantastic! And when I confirmed, she simply replied, ‘OK. The baby oil is outside the door.’ It was a surprisingly practical detail, but hey, you never know what little luxuries people need when they’re traveling!
According to text messages, his ex-employee told him she was setting up an IV drip for him and Jane, which he had previously used to recover after intense competitions.
She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.
The jury saw text messages between Combs and Ventura where Ventura openly described the emotional and psychological harm she claimed she suffered due to the alleged abuse.
In March 2017, after Combs suggested they take some time apart following an on-again, off-again relationship from 2007 to 2018, Ventura responded that she didn’t want a break. She explained that she didn’t want to be criticized for standing up for herself and felt Combs made her feel unimportant.
In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her.
In a letter from May, Ventura described a painful experience, writing that despite offering love, she was met with betrayal and physical violence. She detailed being hurt and dragged by her hair after briefly looking away, and emphasized that she was no longer willing to tolerate such abuse. She expressed feeling emotionally numb during the incident, yet also noted a strange sense of peace in witnessing her own strength and resilience.
Brendan Paul, who worked as Sean Combs’ assistant from 2022 to 2024, testified that he bought drugs for Combs several times, specifically mentioning marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy.
Paul explained that they would text their drug dealer, who would then come to one of their houses. He said he initially connected with the dealer through text messages or phone calls, and also mentioned being fired from jobs multiple times for things like forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack.
However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.
On June 18th, Judge Subramanian ended the court session for the day because one of the jurors was unable to return due to illness. Court will also be closed on June 19th for the Juneteenth holiday.
The judge explained that a juror is unwell and unable to attend court. They experienced dizziness and had to leave. Because this juror is part of the main jury panel, the judge stated they won’t be able to continue with the trial today. The juror’s partner informed the court of the situation.
The judge acknowledged uncertainty about whether the juror’s sudden vertigo – causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches – will pass quickly or become a lasting problem, and stated they would keep the situation under review.
As a dedicated follower of the case, I learned that because of the Juneteenth holiday on June 19th, Judge Subramanian has scheduled a shorter trial session for June 20th. We’ll be back in court from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day to continue the proceedings.
Just after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistencies about where they live, another juror is now potentially facing removal. This juror reportedly had an inappropriate conversation about the case with a former coworker. The judge questioned the juror and asked to examine their phone, according to NBC News.
By the end of the court session on June 16th, a decision about whether to dismiss the member hadn’t been reached.
Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. West was there for about half an hour and briefly visited the waiting area, but didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom is reserved for Combs’ family, lawyers, the media, and people who waited in line for hours to get a seat.
Jane remembered a fight they had after she traveled to Las Vegas with a fellow rapper and his wife.
She stated that this behavior escalated to a situation where a group watched Anton, a sex worker they frequently employed, engage in sexual activity with a woman in a hotel room while they were traveling. She had previously contacted Anton.
Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry because he believed she had gone to a sexually explicit event with another man.
On the 21st day of the Combs trial, a prosecutor named Maurene Comey told the court that the government wants to dismiss one of the jurors.
She told Judge Subramanian, just before the jury came in, that they were hesitant to submit the letter because it seemed dishonest and raised significant concerns for them.
Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro – noting that Juror No. 6 is one of the Black jurors – requested a day or two to submit a written response and research relevant legal precedents.
I heard Judge Subramanian say he’s going to hold off on dealing with any practical issues surrounding the juror until he’s reached a decision. Basically, he’s putting everything on pause until he’s made up his mind.
On June 10th, Jane and Garagos had a heated discussion where Garagos implied the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts.
Attorney Mark Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 between Jane Doe and Sean “Diddy” Combs. The messages revealed the witness was distressed about Combs having sexual relations with other women. She specifically asked him if he had gifted one of these women a Chanel bag afterwards.
Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”
When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”
And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”
Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.
Jane stated that in 2022, after researching their relationship, she came to believe Combs engaged in, or was comfortable with, non-monogamy – specifically, finding enjoyment in witnessing his partner with another person. She used the term ‘cuckhold’ to describe this dynamic.
She explained that the research helped her better understand why people enjoyed watching their partners with other men. She was trying to fully explore all the reasons behind that enjoyment.
The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in “hotel nights”—which closely resembled Ventura’s private encounters—might stem from Combs exploring his own sexuality.
As a longtime follower, I’ve always understood it this way: some people, they have these hidden interests, things they deeply want to explore, but they’re too embarrassed or afraid to act on them directly. It’s like they live vicariously through others – they use a woman to experience those things for them, to satisfy that curiosity without having to participate themselves. It’s a way of exploring boundaries without actually crossing them, a strange form of detachment.
Jane testified that she and Combs hired an escort named Paul several times and gave him the nickname “Trifecta” because she felt their sexual connection was as successful as a winning team in basketball.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
She said Paul was “really nice” and explained that, if she were to engage with sex workers, she preferred someone with a kind and pleasant personality.
Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and Khorram caused problems in her romantic relationship with the music executive.
Jane explained that Khorram was constantly with her husband, Sean, which created problems in their marriage. She felt Khorram had strong feelings for her, and those feelings affected how Sean behaved towards her.
On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request for a mistrial from Combs’ lawyers. They had argued that Ventura and her friend, Bryana Bongolan, falsely claimed Combs had threatened to drop Bongolan from a 17th-floor balcony.
Okay, so his lawyers – honestly, they’re amazing, fighting so hard for him – they filed something, and it’s insane. They’re saying the prosecution is totally playing dirty! They’re accusing them of letting someone lie on the stand, and they’re calling it ‘misconduct’! It’s just… unbelievable! They tried to get the whole trial thrown out before, and the judge shut them down then too, but this time feels different. It’s like they’re really exposing what’s going on, and I’m just so frustrated for him!
According to a letter submitted to the court, the government presented evidence in this case that they either knew was false or should have known was false. This evidence concerned their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. The letter argues that to prevent an unfair verdict, the judge should declare a mistrial.
Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.
Jane stated that an argument with Combs started because he was seeing a much younger woman – 25 years his junior. This led to Jane calling him a deeply offensive name and physically assaulting him by pushing his head into a marble countertop.
The witness testified that she hid in the main bedroom, and Sean Combs started trying to break down the door. Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence. She stated that while attempting to escape, Combs kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.
She told the prosecutors that he pinned her to the ground in a chokehold, lifted her off the ground, and she struggled to breathe, desperately trying to escape his hold. She said she was forced to stand on her tiptoes.
Jane stated she fled her house and hid behind an outside wall for about two hours, hoping the person would go away, but they didn’t. She then said they both went back to his house, and she curled up in the backyard to shield herself while he reportedly attacked her.
Oh my god, it was awful hearing Jane testify. She said it all started when Combs hit her back! She was so clear – he just started punching her head, then kicking her, and just wouldn’t stop! She said he was yelling all sorts of things while he kept hitting her. It’s just… heartbreaking to hear her describe it like that. I can’t even imagine how terrifying it must have been.
She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.”
She testified that she told him, “No, I don’t want that. Please just leave me alone, please just go. Stop!” But he grabbed her arm and hair and began pulling her back toward the house, dragging her by her hair and arm.
Jane reported that after the attack, she had two raised bumps about the size of golf balls on her forehead and a black eye.
Jane reported that Homeland Security Investigations raided her home – which Sean Combs had paid for in March 2023 – as well as several other properties owned by him. She stated that when agents arrived at her house, she immediately contacted Combs’ head of security to inform him of the raid.
In December 2023, Jane claimed a powerful person threatened to share intimate videos of them with the father of her child.
Jane testified that as her relationship with Combs fell apart, he told her he had nothing to lose by releasing the videos. She described the situation as a relentless series of pressure-filled phone calls.
Jane texted Khorram about what happened, and this conversation was submitted as evidence. In the messages, Jane stated that Combs threatened to release a video showing her allegedly being “heavily drugged.”
She explained she needed space from Combs to heal from the emotional pain he had inflicted.
Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.
In her testimony, Jane stated that certain claims made in Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit – a case that was eventually settled – reflected what she herself had gone through with Combs.
She told the jury, while crying, that she nearly passed out, and may have actually lost consciousness. She explained that three particular pages contained deeply upsetting details that mirrored what she was going through.
Jane, a participant in the “hotel nights” events, shared that the experience felt deeply personal, like she was reliving her own life. This prompted her to reach out to Combs directly via text message.
After Ventura filed her lawsuit, the defendant wrote, according to evidence presented, that reading it felt like reliving her own sexual trauma. She described feeling deeply disturbed, stating the lawsuit detailed, almost verbatim, the experiences of drug-filled days and nights she had endured. She accused Ventura of anticipating this outcome and of manipulating her, causing her emotional distress.
The messages expressed feelings of disgust and being pressured into repeated sexual activity. The sender felt invalidated and gaslit regarding their trauma, leading to a sense of violation and the belief that they had been sexually exploited.
Combs then called Jane and secretly recorded their conversation, which was later presented as evidence. During the call, he reminded her that they had shared experiences and stated he needed her presence at a specific time.
Unaware she was being recorded, Jane told Combs she felt nauseous after reviewing Ventura’s documents.
Jane stated that during her involvement with Combs and male escorts in events called “Hotel Nights,” she frequently used ecstasy. However, one night she chose to remain sober while engaging in sexual activity with three men.
She testified that she had been with several men earlier that night. She vomited, and then Sean entered and reassured her, saying, ‘You’ll feel better now. Let’s go outside.’
Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”
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