In the aftermath of music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ arrest on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, his music streams have seen a significant spike.
According to industry data provided by Luminate and quoted by Guardian UK, Diddy’s on-demand streams increased by 18.3% during the week of his arrest compared to the previous week.
The surge mirrors past patterns seen with controversial artists, such as R. Kelly, whose streaming numbers also jumped following the release of the 2019 docuseries detailing his criminal behavior.
The rise in streams is common when artists find themselves at the center of scandals, regardless of the negative context. While Diddy’s legal troubles continue to unfold, an old interview from 2002 has resurfaced, further stirring the controversy.
Over the weekend, a clip of Diddy on Late Night with Conan O’Brien went viral, reigniting conversations about his infamous parties. In the video, Diddy discusses how he organizes his high-energy, exclusive gatherings, stressing the importance of creating an environment where tension and excitement are palpable. His comments, which seemed playful at the time, have drawn fresh scrutiny in light of the serious charges he now faces.
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While Diddy’s parties were once known for their glamour and star-studded guest lists, federal prosecutors in New York are now painting a much darker picture. The music icon stands accused of coercing women into sexual encounters with male prostitutes, often recording these encounters for his personal pleasure. The indictment also claims that Diddy employed threats, violence, drugs, and blackmail to force participants into what have been described as “freak off” sessions.
Further investigations uncovered disturbing details. During raids on Diddy’s properties in Miami and Los Angeles earlier this year, authorities reportedly found incriminating evidence, including video footage from his parties and large quantities of lubricants and other materials used during the gatherings.
As the legal case against him builds, Diddy has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. Despite his defense, the nature of the accusations has shaken the public and the music industry.
