Sting on Diddy’s Use of ‘Every Breath You Take’: “It’s Still My Song” Despite Allegations
Sting has clarified that the recent allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs do not impact his feelings toward “Every Breath You Take,” The Police’s iconic hit famously sampled by Diddy for his Grammy-winning track, “I’ll Be Missing You.” In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sting emphasized that the song remains meaningful to him, regardless of its association with the music mogul.
When the interviewer noted that fans continue to enjoy hearing “Every Breath You Take,” Sting responded, “Absolutely.” He explained his broader perspective on sampling, pointing to a recent collaboration on 2023’s “Dreaming” with Pink and Marshmello, which includes elements from his solo song “Fields of Gold.”
Asked why he thinks his music keeps attracting younger artists, Sting admitted he doesn’t know the reason but appreciates it. “I have no idea, but when somebody wants to interpolate or whatever it’s called, I never object,” he said. “I always learn something new about the song that I hadn’t known or anticipated. And I get paid, so why not? It keeps the songs current.”
Sting added, “Songs are living organisms—you have to keep breathing life into them or giving them new bedfellows.”
Diddy, who collaborated with Sting at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards after sampling “Every Breath You Take,” has been facing serious legal issues. In September, the 55-year-old was arrested on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution following nearly a year of investigations, home raids, and lawsuits alleging abuse. Currently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, Diddy’s attorney filed a motion for bail, which remains pending after an earlier $50 million bail request was denied.
