Netflix is pushing back against accusations from Sean “Diddy” Combs that footage used in its new four-part docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning was obtained illegally. The streaming platform released the series on Tuesday, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and it features interviews and previously unseen archival material from the music mogul’s career and the events leading up to his 2025 arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Netflix Responds to Allegations
Combs’ representatives claimed the project includes “stolen footage that was never authorized for release” and accused the series of presenting a “biased” narrative built on personal grudges.
Netflix strongly refuted those claims in a statement shared with USA TODAY on December 2, saying all materials were legally acquired.
“The claims being made about Sean Combs: The Reckoning are false,” the company stated. “The footage of Combs leading up to his indictment and arrest were legally obtained. This is not a hit piece or an act of retribution.”
The platform also emphasized that 50 Cent did not control the creative direction of the series and that no participants were paid to appear.
Filmmakers Defend Their Process
Director Alexandria Stapleton told Netflix’s Tudum that her team worked to secure footage ethically and had attempted to include Combs’ voice in the documentary.
“It came to us, we obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights,” Stapleton said. “We reached out to Sean Combs’ legal team multiple times for comment and an interview, but did not hear back.”
Stapleton added that Combs has filmed himself extensively throughout his career, which provided access to large amounts of material.
Diddy’s Team Calls the Project a “Hit Piece”
A spokesperson for Combs, Juda Engelmayer, criticized the docuseries, claiming that many participants have “longstanding personal grievances, financial motives, or credibility issues.” They argued that the documentary repeats allegations without proper evidence or context.
The statement also highlighted that some accusations featured in the project were previously addressed in court filings or not considered legally reliable.
Legal Troubles and Family Support
Combs continues to face numerous civil lawsuits in addition to his federal conviction. He was found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex-trafficking charges. He is currently serving a sentence of just over four years in federal prison in New Jersey and maintains his innocence.
Throughout the controversy, Combs’ family — including his seven children — have been vocal in their support. Many appeared publicly with him before his legal downfall and continue to stand by him amid the ongoing lawsuits.
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