Diddy Slams Netflix Documentary as ‘Shameful Hit Piece’ With ‘Stolen Footage That Was Never Authorized for Release’: ‘It Is Unfair and Illegal’

A spokesperson for music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has issued a forceful condemnation of the upcoming Netflix docuseries "Sean Combs: The Reckoning," executive produced by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. The statement, released ahead of the series' Tuesday premiere, accuses the streaming giant of producing a "shameful hit piece" built on unauthorized material. It specifically points to a promotional clip aired on "Good Morning America" as evidence that Netflix utilized stolen, private footage that Combs had been compiling for his own biographical project since he was a teenager.

The spokesperson's remarks allege serious legal and ethical breaches, stating it is "fundamentally unfair, and illegal" for Netflix to misappropriate this personal archive. The statement contends the platform is "desperate to sensationalize" Combs's life without regard for truth to capitalize on media attention. It highlights that the private footage includes confidential conversations with his lawyers, material for which no rights were ever transferred to Netflix or any third party. This move, the statement argues, represents a profound "personal breach of trust."

A significant point of contention is Netflix's decision to grant creative control to 50 Cent, whom the statement describes as a "longtime adversary with a personal vendetta" who has "spent too much time slandering Mr. Combs." The feud between Combs and Jackson, which has played out publicly for over two decades, adds a layer of personal animus to the project. Industry analysts note that such rivalries have historically fueled lucrative entertainment, but rarely with this level of alleged access to private materials.

The statement expresses particular disappointment in Netflix leadership, noting that Combs had "long respected" CEO Ted Sarandos and admired the legacy of the late music executive Clarence Avant, a revered figure in the industry often called the "Godfather of Black Music." For the company to hand his life story to a vocal critic, the spokesperson said, "feels like an unnecessary and deeply personal affront." The core expectation, the statement concludes, was "fairness from people he respected."

This controversy emerges as Netflix continues to invest heavily in high-profile music documentaries and biopics, a strategy that has yielded major successes but also occasional legal challenges. The outcome of this dispute could influence how platforms source and vet personal archival materials for future projects. As of now, Netflix has not issued a public response to the allegations, setting the stage for a potential legal confrontation following the docuseries' release.