ELLIE SKJERSAA  / ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Hidden in the darkest corners of Hollywood, the secrets of major celebrities and leading influencers remain untouched and confidential. However, the disturbing allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs have recently risen to the surface, prompting his arrest and indictment on Sept. 17 2024. Combs currently faces charges of human trafficking, racketeering and drug distribution without bail and also has allegations of sexual assault and coercion. 

He is currently being held in the Brooklyn Detention Center and is awaiting a trial date, although his next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9. Comb’s lead attorney Marc Agnifilo, is pushing for a speedy trial which means that in federal cases, the jury trial must begin within 70 days from when the indictment was filed.

In 1993, Comb’s created the record label “Bad Boy Records” with the help of Arista Records where he signed big-time artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans and Craig Mac. On top of this, his albums had immense success with many songs hitting the Billboard 100 chart including “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” and “I’ll Be Missing You.” He has won three Grammy awards, making his successful career undeniable. However, in light of recent events, his career may face a tragic end.

“His career and public image are ruined,” USD senior Jonathan Martinez said. “I feel like nowadays in society, it only takes one thing to completely change the narrative around you. Even if he were somehow found to be innocent, which I highly doubt, everything is done for him.”

This controversial artist has had civil lawsuits against him that have alleged sexual assault and violence for many years, some even dating back to the 90s. In 2023, his ex-wife Casaandra Ventura joined the long list of women and men who have accused the rapper of violent crimes. A 2016 hotel surveillance video was retrieved by CNN and depicted a scene of Comb attacking Ventura. Two days later he released a video admitting and apologizing about his actions. However, he has denied all charges that he is facing currently. Because many other celebrities are involved in these allegations, some students sense that this could be a turning point in Hollywood.

“I feel like there’s a really big disconnect between celebrity status and normal people,” USD senior Raquel Simoes-Rutt said. “Normal people view them differently and don’t see things they do as seriously as they should because they are held to a different status and historically have been excused for things. Maybe if this continues to be as big as it is, it will open peoples eyes to see how convoluted the whole system and Hollywood is.”

Well known celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Usher, Jay-Z and others have been photographed at Comb’s parties, raising speculation about their involvement with him. Interestingly enough, Kutcher created an anti-sex trafficking organization in the same year that he was attending these parties.

“I think more and more celebrities are going to start realizing that their actions have consequences,” Martinez said. “At the  end  of the day, it’s your  brand, your  image and  the way you market yourself that’s important. I think this might be a wake up call for Hollywood because if Diddy — who was one of the most popular figures in the music industry back in the day — got caught, anybody can get caught.”

Comb’s trial could lead to further investigation of other celebrities who are believed to be involved. Simoes-Rutt noted the disappointment she felt when hearing about his indictment in the news.

“It’s really upsetting that people who are supposed to be representatives are doing stuff like this,” Simoes-Rutt said. “We’re supposed to trust them, look up to them, they’re supposed to be role models and they’re definitely not.”

Those in Hollywood have not always been held accountable for their crimes. This began to change in 2017 as the #MeToo movement led some in Hollywood to step forward and share their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse. 

Sean “Diddy” Combs performing in London on Nov. 7,  2023. Photo courtesy of @Diddy/Twitter

However, the movement seemed to pass over the music industry. Some reasons for this could be the intense presence of male gatekeepers in the music world and a lack of HR structures. Even when these structures do exist, many artists don’t speak out against their bosses because of their powerful influence in the industry. However, Comb’s indictment could fuel change. The music industry may be inclined to hold its higher-ups accountable.

On social media platforms, memes about Comb’s parties and the 1,000 bottles  of baby oil found in his home have been circulating. Martinez noted that even though people are making light of the situation online through jokes and memes, that doesn’t mean that people don’t take it seriously. He pointed out that there could be bigger conversations to be had, especially surrounding young people’s presence in the industry.

“Of course if a kid has the potential and the talent, then they should get opportunities in the music industry, but the fact that they could be exposed to all of this portrays more issues,” Martinez said. “Should we really be exposing them to this much influence and popularity? Maybe there will be conversations about parents’ influence in that.”

The party culture of Hollywood elites is currently under scrutiny as a result of Comb’s indictment. Once revered as a trailblazer in the music world, these accusations and charges symbolize a potential turning point for how the public views celebrities and the severity of their actions. While spectators await a trial date, conversations surrounding celebrity culture, accountability and social influence are sure to continue and may possibly unveil a deeper, more uncomfortable truth about the world of fame and power.

Digitally altered images, like the one above, have been spread online in memes about Diddy. Photo courtesy of @bosslogic/Instagram