In a revealing investigation by the BBC, former employees of Sean "Diddy" Combs's Bad Boy Records have come forward with chilling accounts of misconduct during the 1990s. Ex-music executive Daniel Evans recalls a shocking threat from Combs where he insinuated he could hire a hitman, showcasing the power dynamics at play in a label that soared to unparalleled success.
This tumultuous period included incidents where Combs allegedly engaged in sexual activities with women in the studio, with Evans narrating how he stumbled upon one such encounter. As the story unfolds, more than 20 former staff members recount uncomfortable experiences that hint at a troubling culture around the label as it reached its peak in the music industry.
Combs's rise to fame from launching Bad Boy Records in 1993 coincided with an infamous lifestyle filled with celebrity parties and lavish gatherings. Yet, the dark side of this success story has emerged as numerous lawsuits against Combs emerge, alleging acts of drugging, assault, and harassment during this era. Although he vehemently denies these allegations, a contrast between the charismatic mogul known to many and the accusations against him raises questions about his true character.
Amidst these revelations, personal accounts from former staff including Felicia Newsome, who managed the studio, highlight a culture where inappropriate behavior was overlooked or accepted as part of the industry's "norm." Instances of staff running errands for Combs—such as fetching condoms—were emblematic of a broader, troubling environment at the label.
With Combs awaiting trial on serious sex trafficking charges next May, the testimonies from those who were part of his circle appear to paint a picture of a man whose public persona diverged sharply from his private actions. As the investigation continues, former insiders are left reconsidering their memories of a person whose rise to fame was shadowed by such grave allegations.
