Diddy accuses 50 Cent and the streamer of using unapproved footage, calling the Netflix documentary series a “shameful hit piece”

Diddy calls the documentary series a hit, accusing Netflix and 50 Cent of utilizing unapproved footage.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has accused Netflix of utilizing “stolen footage that was never authorised for release” in the upcoming documentary series Sean Combs: The Reckoning, calling it a “shameful hit piece.” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is the producer of the series, which debuts worldwide on December 2.

On Monday, Combs’ representative made the announcement in conjunction with a teaser for the documentary series. The video shows Combs talking about the difficulties he encounters in what he refers to as “the dirtiest of dirty businesses” on a phone call six days prior to his arrest in September 2024. Combs was cleared of more serious allegations, including as sex trafficking and racketeering, but was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution as a result of the chat.

According to the statement, Combs has been collecting personal archives since he was 19 years old, which Netflix allegedly stole in order to tell his own tale. According to his team, the firm misrepresented his remarks and gave creative control to 50 Cent, a “longtime adversary” who has a personal grudge against Combs.

Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, was also criticized by Combs’ aides, who said that the billionaire had “long respected” him and expected justice. Criticizing the video as “fundamentally unfair and illegal,” the statement contended that private discussions, including those with Combs’ lawyers, were never meant for public viewing.

The director of the documentary series, Alexandria Stapleton, answered on behalf of Netflix, saying, “It came to us, we obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights.” We did all in our power to protect the identity of the filmmaker. Combs has a lengthy history of filming himself, the director added, and he made several attempts to get his legal staff to participate but they didn’t reply.

Diddy’s team maintains that Netflix is putting sensationalism ahead of reality, abusing his private life for financial advantage, and crossing moral and legal lines. As the series gets ready for its international premiere, the conflict brings to light persistent conflicts over control of Combs’ story.