The curtain is being pulled back.
Since the Netflix docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning began streaming on December 2nd, many have wondered how 50 Cent and Netflix gained access to the behind-the-scenes footage of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
According to Michael Oberlies, Diddy’s personal videographer, the footage wasn’t leaked by someone on the inside. He claims a temporary freelancer who worked for a few days was responsible for its release.
Okay, so I’ve been completely obsessed with following everything Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs does for over two years now, working on this huge project about him. And honestly, I was devastated to hear about that footage leaking! It definitely didn’t come from me, or anyone I’d ever authorize to handle his stuff. It was this random third party who just covered my work for three days while I was away – totally out of my control! And it wasn’t about money or any kind of disagreement, just to be clear. I’m just so protective of his image, you know?
He added that the behavior of those involved demonstrated a failure to meet the ethical standards expected of all storytellers. Using project footage to support a different, unauthorized story was wrong and couldn’t be justified.
The video shows Diddy in his New York City hotel room shortly before his September 2024 arrest, discussing the case with his lawyers. It also includes a scene of him interacting with fans in Harlem, where he playfully mentioned needing hand sanitizer after being “out with the people.”
As someone who follows these stories closely, I’m hearing a lot about the new Netflix series. Now, Diddy – who is currently serving a five-year sentence – isn’t happy about it at all. His team has come out strongly, calling the show a really unfair and damaging portrayal of him.
According to a statement released on December 1st, Netflix used video clips without permission. The statement continued that Sean Combs has been collecting footage of his life since he was 19, intending to share his story himself. It argues that Netflix, and its CEO Ted Sarandos, knew this and it was wrong – and unlawful – for them to use his work without authorization.
The spokesperson criticized the streaming service for seemingly trying to exaggerate details of the rapper’s life to profit from ongoing media attention. They also pointed out that video clips of private conversations with Combs’ legal team were not meant to be shown publicly.
Despite claims to the contrary, 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, Netflix, and those who made the docuseries have consistently stated that the footage was acquired through legal means.
Netflix confirmed on December 2nd that the project isn’t connected to any previous discussions with Sean Combs. According to a statement shared with TopMob News, the footage of Combs before his indictment and arrest was obtained legally. Netflix stated this isn’t intended as an attack or revenge. While Curtis Jackson is an executive producer, he doesn’t have final say over the project’s content, and no one was compensated for their involvement.
TopMob News contacted representatives for both Combs and 50 Cent for a statement, but they haven’t received a response.
Both 50 Cent and director Alexandria Stapleton were dedicated to protecting the filmmaker’s anonymity. Stapleton told Variety they “moved heaven and earth” to keep the director’s identity a secret.
Rolling Stone didn’t reveal the freelancer’s name, but stated they did contact the person for a response.
As for 50 Cent? He has also stood firm in his intentions behind bringing the project to life.
50 Cent explained in a recent interview with Good Morning America that staying silent would be seen as acceptance of the behavior in question. He added that he felt he needed to speak up because no one else was.
For a look back at Combs’ legal journey, including his arrest in 2024 to his sentencing, read on.
At the hearing on October 3, 2025, the judge sentenced him to over four years in prison—specifically, 50 months—along with a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
The musician publicly apologized to Cassie Ventura and Jane during his sentencing hearing on October 3rd. This was the first time he had spoken about the case in court.
Combs admitted that the experience of domestic violence would stay with him for life. He described his behavior as appalling and deeply regrettable, explaining that drug use had left him out of control and in desperate need of help, which he didn’t receive. He emphasized that he wasn’t trying to justify his actions.
He went on to share how the case has impacted him.
He explained that he was simply trying his best, but his ambition and pride led him astray. As a result, he lost his freedom, couldn’t be there for his family, and lost everything he had worked for – his businesses, his career, and his good name. Most importantly, he lost his self-respect and feels completely broken and humbled. He expressed deep self-loathing, stating he’s been reduced to nothing.
Judge Arun Subramanian set Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing date for October 3, 2025. The judge also refused to grant Combs bail before the sentencing, explaining that his history of violent behavior meant he should stay in jail.
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 the legal proceedings began when his client, Cassie Ventura, bravely filed a lawsuit in November 2023. While the jury didn’t find enough evidence to convict Combs of sex trafficking, her testimony was crucial in the jury finding him liable for transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution. Wigdor emphasized that Cassie’s courage has had a lasting impact on both the entertainment world and the pursuit of justice.
Acknowledging the charges Combs denied, Wigdor emphasized, “We firmly stand with and support our client, who demonstrated remarkable bravery during this process.”
Wigdor also commended Ventura for her testimony, as she was one of 34 witnesses during the nearly month-long trial involving Combs.
He stated that she demonstrated incredible courage and highlighted the long-standing problem of abuse of power by influential men, as well as the decades of unchecked misconduct. He emphasized that this case shows how urgently change is needed and that they will continue to support survivors.
When Sean Combs learned he was found not guilty on three of the five charges against him in federal court, he reportedly knelt and bowed his head as if in prayer, according to NBC News reporters who were present. He had faced a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.
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 former girlfriends, Ventura and another woman known only as “Jane,” for the purpose of prostitution.
Sean Combs was acquitted of one charge of conspiracy to commit racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking, despite having previously denied all accusations.
The jury informed Judge Arun Subramanian they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge before delivering their final decision, citing strongly held, differing opinions. The judge urged them to keep discussing the case, and they ultimately reached a verdict a few hours later.
In her closing arguments to the jury, prosecutor Christy Slavik spent nearly five hours arguing that Sean “Diddy” Combs used intimidation, threats, and force to control people and get what he desired.
She explained that he was incredibly stubborn and always got his way. He saw everything and everyone around him as existing solely to fulfill his needs, treating his life like a personal kingdom.
Okay, so I’ve been following this trial so closely, and it’s just… heartbreaking. They brought up how Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs physically attacked Cassie Ventura back in 2016 – it was awful to hear about. And then, they talked about another alleged assault in 2024, this time with someone who’s been referred to as ‘Jane’ throughout the case to protect her identity. It’s just… a pattern, you know? It’s really disturbing to see all of this come out.
Although eight years apart, these two events are connected, representing different parts of the same overall story – the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he ran with the help of his close associates.
The criminal organization repeatedly fulfilled the defendant’s wishes using a consistent pattern of violence, intimidation, and control, she explained. The defendant believed that keeping people silent and ashamed would conceal his crimes, and that his celebrity, money, and influence meant he was untouchable by the law.
Slavik claimed that during the trial, Combs benefited from a large team of employees dedicated to fulfilling his every need, bolstering his image, and shielding him from any negative publicity.
The prosecutors asked the court for permission to change some of their arguments in the attempted arson and kidnapping case.
Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking – including accusations 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 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 was his alone.
“I’ve thought this through carefully, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “It’s my choice, and I stand by it.”
As a heads-up from court today, it sounds like closing arguments in the Combs case are going to be quite extensive. Teny Garagos, representing Mr. Combs, shared with the judge that both her team and the prosecution anticipate needing at least four hours each to present their final statements. So, we’re looking at a potentially lengthy session!
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the case closely, and things are shifting gears now. Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, a key witness for the prosecution, just finished his testimony. Now, Diddy’s legal team has announced they won’t be calling any witnesses to the stand. Instead, they’ll be building their defense around the evidence already presented in court. It’s a strategic move, focusing on dissecting what’s already been shown rather than introducing new testimony.
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 to his former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, Sean Combs outlined a list of requests he had while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These included asking for more baby oil, which he said he often used during moments of intense frustration.
He told Khorram to have them call him before starting their journey. He then expressed his disbelief at being released, and added, “Load twenty bottles into the vehicle.”
Khorram said it was fine to stay another night at the hotel, and let them know the baby oil was just outside the door.
Okay, so I’ve been going through all the texts, and it’s insane! Apparently, his ex-employee was prepping an IV drip for him and Jane. Can you believe it? The texts say he actually used it to recover after… well, after one of their competitions, they called them ‘freak offs’! It’s just… wow. I can’t stop reading this, it’s all so wild!
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 shared how the alleged abuse was affecting her.
In March 2017, after Combs suggested they take a break from their on-again, off-again relationship (which lasted from 2007 to 2018), Ventura responded that she didn’t want to, explaining she didn’t want to be criticized for standing up for herself and that Combs made her feel unimportant.
In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her.
In a letter from May, Ventura wrote that she offered her partner love, but felt betrayed and hurt when he engaged in self-destructive behavior. She described a violent incident where he physically assaulted her, dragging her by her hair. She emphasized that she was no longer willing to tolerate this behavior, stating she was 30 years old and this wasn’t a game. She also expressed feeling emotionally numb during a particularly difficult night, and found a strange solace in observing the strength she still possessed even in that state.
Brendan Paul, who worked as Sean Combs’ assistant from 2022 to 2024, testified that he bought drugs for Combs several times. These drugs included 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 texts or phone calls, and also mentioned being fired from jobs multiple times for things like forgetting his Lululemon fanny pack.
However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.
On June 18th, Judge Subramanian ended court 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, and their partner informed the court. Because this juror is a regular member of the jury, the judge stated they won’t be able to continue with the trial today.
The judge acknowledged that it’s unknown if the juror’s sudden dizziness, nausea, and headache – caused by vertigo – will pass quickly or become a continuing problem, but said they would keep an eye on it.
Because of the Juneteenth holiday on June 19th, Judge Subramanian announced that the trial will continue on June 20th with a shorter schedule, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Just after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistent statements 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.
As a lifestyle observer, I saw Kanye West show up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. He was there for about half an hour, and while he did pop into the waiting area, he didn’t actually go into the courtroom itself. That main courtroom space is reserved for Combs’ family, lawyers, and the media – and of course, those dedicated spectators who waited for hours to get a seat!
Jane remembered a fight they had after she took a trip to Las Vegas with a fellow rapper and his wife.
She testified that this behavior escalated to sexual voyeurism. Specifically, she described soliciting Anton, a sex worker frequently hired by both her and Combs. During a trip, a group of people, including herself, watched Anton engage in sexual activity with a woman in a hotel room.
Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry after he believed she went to a sexually explicit party with another man.
On the 21st day of the Combs trial, a prosecutor named Maurene Comey told the court that the prosecution 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 created 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 prepare a written response and review relevant legal precedents.
Okay, so the judge, Judge Subramanian, basically said he’s going to put off dealing with everything about that juror – like, all the practical stuff – until he actually decides what’s going to happen. It’s like he’s not even thinking about it until he has to! I’m just hanging on every word, honestly.
On June 10th, Jane and Garagos had a heated discussion where Garagos suggested the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts.
Mark Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 between Jane and Sean Combs. The messages showed Jane was upset that Combs was having sexual relations with other women, and she specifically asked him if he had given one of them a Chanel bag afterward.
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, a dynamic where he watched her with other people. She used the term ‘cuckhold’ to describe this.
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 sexual identity.
She explained that some individuals might be genuinely curious about something but too embarrassed to explore it personally. Instead, they might enable or observe a woman engaging in it, allowing them to satisfy their curiosity indirectly.
Jane stated she’d given the escort, Paul—whom she and Combs hired several times—the nickname “Trifecta,” explaining she likened their sexual relationship to the winning teamwork of famous basketball players.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
She said Paul was “really nice” and mentioned that, if she were to engage with sex workers, she preferred those who seemed kind and genuine.
Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and Khorram caused problems in her own romantic involvement with the music executive.
Jane explained that Khorram was constantly with Sean, which created problems in their relationship. 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.
His attorneys claimed the prosecution acted improperly by presenting false testimony, a claim they made in a court filing. This isn’t the first time they’ve raised concerns about the prosecution’s actions, as a previous request to halt the trial based on similar issues was also rejected.
According to a letter filed in court, the government presented evidence during the trial 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 because of this, the judge should declare a mistrial to prevent an unfair conviction.
Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.
Jane stated that an argument started between her and Combs after she saw him with a woman much younger than himself – about 25 years younger. This led to Jane calling Combs 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 began to kick the door open. Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence. She stated that while trying 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.
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.
I was absolutely horrified listening to Jane’s testimony. She explained how things turned violent after Sean Combs supposedly hit her. She described him repeatedly punching her head and then kicking her, all while yelling. It was just a relentless attack, according to her account, and incredibly upsetting to hear.
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.” She said he then grabbed her arm and hair, and began dragging her back towards the house, pulling her by her hair and arm.
Jane reported that after the attack, she had two large, raised bumps about the size of golf balls on her forehead, and a black eye.
Jane stated that agents from 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 explained that when the agents arrived, 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 fear from releasing the videos. She described a relentless stream of pressure-filled phone calls.
Jane texted Khorram details of the incident, and these messages were submitted as evidence. In the texts, she explained that Combs was threatening to release a video, and she claimed she had been significantly impaired by drugs at the time.
She explained she needed space from Combs to heal from the emotional pain he inflicted.
Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.
In her testimony, Jane stated that some claims made in Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit – which was later resolved – were similar to what she herself went through with Combs.
Wiping away tears, she told the jury, “I nearly passed out, I think I actually did.” 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, said the experience felt deeply personal, like she was witnessing her own life unfold. This prompted her to reach out to Combs directly via text message.
After seeing the lawsuit, it was like… reading my own nightmare. Honestly, I felt physically sick. Every detail, every awful, drug-fueled day and night… it was all there, exactly as it happened to me. I knew he’d try to do this, I just knew it. He twisted everything, made me doubt my own sanity, made me feel like I was losing my mind. It’s just… devastating to see it all laid out like that.
The messages expressed feelings of disgust and being pressured into repeated sexual acts. The sender felt invalidated and gaslit regarding their trauma, leading to feelings of violation and the belief that they had been sexually exploited.
Combs then called Jane and secretly recorded their conversation, which was later used as evidence. During the call, he reminded her that they had shared experiences and stated he needed her present 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 drug-free 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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2025-12-11 19:20