Sean "Diddy" Combs has taken legal action against NBCUniversal, its streaming platform Peacock, and production company Ample Entertainment, seeking $100 million in damages over the documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy. The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, claims the documentary falsely portrays him as a criminal, making baseless accusations about his involvement in sex trafficking, abuse, and even murder.
The lawsuit alleges that the documentary advances wild conspiracy theories, linking Combs to the deaths of his former partner Kim Porter, rapper Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, and others. According to Combs' legal team, the film deliberately presents him as a "monster" and compares him to figures like Jeffrey Epstein, despite a lack of credible evidence.
Sean “Diddy” Combs performs at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las VegasGetty Images
Combs' lawyer, Erica Wolff, accused NBCUniversal and its partners of prioritising sensationalism over facts, stating that they "recklessly broadcast outrageous lies" to exploit public interest in the controversy surrounding the rapper. The legal complaint further argues that the documentary damages Combs' reputation and violates journalistic ethics by airing unverified claims from individuals with no direct evidence.
The lawsuit comes at a time when Combs is already facing intense legal scrutiny. He is currently in custody at a Brooklyn jail, awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Additionally, more than 30 civil lawsuits have been filed against him in recent months, with allegations ranging from sexual misconduct to coercion and violence.
Sean "Diddy" Combs speaks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, on September 21, 2023Getty Images
Despite the growing number of accusations, Combs has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team insists the documentary is part of a broader effort to convict him in the court of public opinion before he has his day in court.
NBCUniversal and Ample Entertainment have yet to respond to the lawsuit. However, the case raises questions about media responsibility, particularly when covering high-profile figures already entangled in legal battles. Whether Combs' lawsuit will succeed remains to be seen, but the controversy surrounding both his personal life and public image shows no signs of fading.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.