The term “iconic” may be used a little too loosely these days, but Eminem's “Lose Yourself” certainly deserves it and is considered an anthem for the post-2000s, especially among those who appreciate the Queen's English. So it was no surprise that Eminem's performance at the 2020 Academy Awards (where he celebrated his Oscar for the song in 2003) was immediately hailed as a modern musical classic. The audience, many of whom had grown up with Eminem's hits, was mesmerized, except for one notable figure: director Martin Scorsese. While his neighbors reeled, Scorsese sat quietly, looking as if he had been forced through a never-ending Marvel marathon at an amusement park.
A similar sentiment may resonate among political commentators, as the name Sean “Diddy” Combs is suddenly embroiled in the polarizing debate between MAGA supporters and the KHive. Who is Sean Combs? Is he Diddy? And what does it have to do with both sides of US politics? As any entertainment reporter could tell you, Sean “Diddy” Combs is more than a rapper; He is a business tycoon with close industry and political connections. Lately, however, both the Harris and Trump camps have sought to associate the mogul with the other side in what appears to be a classic political dispute.
The timing coincides with Combs' most recent legal troubles: an indictment for racketeering, forcible sex trafficking and transporting persons for prostitution, with allegations dating back to 2008. Prosecutors allege that Combs ran an illegal network and used his celebrity influence to coerce women at so-called “freak off” parties, where controlled substances were allegedly dispensed to ensure compliance. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced that authorities seized firearms, thousands of lubricant bottles and semi-automatic rifles with tampered serial numbers in recent raids, suggesting possible additional charges. Prosecutors accuse Combs of leading an organization involved in sex trafficking, forced labor, arson and bribery.
However, Diddy's connections are far-reaching and span the entire political spectrum. His connection to Kamala Harris first emerged during the 2020 presidential election, when he hosted a virtual town hall on racial inequality during the pandemic. Harris publicly praised him on social media for his role in bringing attention to racial disparities in health care and sparking discourse about their connections.
Diddy also spoke with former President Obama, interviewing him in 2004 when Obama was still a rising senator from Illinois. In their conversation, a young Obama discussed with Diddy the importance of black political representation. At the time, Obama was the only black senator, but just four years later he became the first black president of the United States. Although Diddy later expressed his disappointment and felt that Obama's presidency did not fulfill all of his hopes for the black community, he has maintained his respect for Obama's legacy.
Diddy's history with Trump dates back to the 1990s, when both were influential figures on the New York scene. Trump once praised Diddy as “legendary” in an invitation to his birthday party in 1998, and the two were often seen socializing. Diddy even referenced Trump in his 2006 song “We Gon' Make It,” flaunting their shared wealth. However, Diddy's view of Trump deteriorated significantly in 2020 when he expressed his disapproval and supported Biden, calling Trump a “dangerous thinker” who made life harder for Black Americans.
Diddy's connections in both the entertainment industry and politics make him an influential and somewhat enigmatic figure. Whether he's being celebrated by Obama or hanging out with Trump, Diddy's network reveals a man adept at navigating different circles, often on his own terms – which makes his recent entanglement in US political discourse all the more complex.