NBC is aiming to dismiss a $100 million lawsuit filed by Sean “Diddy” Combs, arguing that the music mogul has himself admitted to damaging his reputation long before the release of the documentary The Making of a Bad Boy. This legal move comes as Combs serves a 50-month federal sentence at FCI Fort Dix and faces additional penalties for various rule violations while incarcerated.
In its court filing, NBC contends that the documentary did not adversely affect Combs’ reputation. Instead, the network points to his conviction on Mann Act charges, multiple lawsuits, and his own statements made during sentencing. Combs acknowledged, “Because of my decisions, I lost my freedom. I lost my career. I totally destroyed my reputation.” NBC argues that this admission contradicts Combs’ claims of reputational damage stemming from the documentary.
Combs initiated legal action against NBCUniversal, Peacock, and the documentary’s producers in January 2024, alleging that the film portrays him as a predator and links him to the deaths of Kim Porter, The Notorious B.I.G., and Heavy D. He further criticizes the film for relying on sensationalism, citing comments from Ari Mark, co-founder of Ample Entertainment. Mark stated to The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s really competitive and I think that is why it wasn’t enough to be fast, it was also necessary to be distinct.”
NBC maintains that the documentary is grounded in public records, longstanding allegations, and interviews already reported in national media. The network argues that Combs’ federal case only heightened the newsworthiness of these details, rather than rendering them defamatory.
On March 15, 2023, Combs was convicted of trafficking individuals across state lines for prostitution, with accusations involving Cassie Ventura, a woman identified only as “Jane,” and several male sex workers. He received a 50-month prison sentence, alongside fines and restrictions following his release. Before his transfer to Fort Dix, Combs spent more than a year at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and is expected to remain at Fort Dix until 2028.
Reports from AllHipHop indicate that Combs’ time in prison has been tumultuous, including disciplinary actions for violating phone rules. Although his team has denied allegations of possessing homemade alcohol, he faced penalties regardless. His release date was reportedly extended by nearly a month due to these violations.
NBC concludes its filing by asserting that Combs—and not the documentary The Making of a Bad Boy—is accountable for the harm to his reputation. The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen, as both parties prepare for the proceedings ahead.
