A Timeline of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: Rise, Fall, and Legal Struggles

For over two decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was a dominant force in both hip-hop and the business world, transforming his musical success into a powerful empire that spanned a record label, fashion brand, TV network, and partnerships with major liquor companies. He was widely celebrated as one of hip-hop’s most astute entrepreneurs. However, as time passed, dark allegations began to emerge, shifting the narrative around the mogul.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the accusations, denying all allegations. As jury selection for his trial begins, let’s take a look at the timeline of his rise and the legal battles that have recently overshadowed his legacy.

The Rise of Diddy: Key Milestones in His Career

1990: A Humble Start
While studying at Howard University, Combs began his career in music with an internship at Uptown Records, kickstarting his journey into the entertainment industry.
1991: Tragedy at the Celebrity Basketball Game
Combs was involved in organizing a celebrity basketball game at City College of New York, which ended in disaster when a crowd of thousands resulted in the deaths of nine people. A mayoral report blamed poor event planning, pointing the finger at Combs.
1992: Breaking Through with Mary J. Blige
As an executive producer for Mary J. Blige’s debut album “What’s the 411?”, Combs took a key role in shaping the early 90s R&B sound.
1993: Bad Boy Records is Born
After being fired from Uptown Records, Combs founded Bad Boy Records, striking a deal with Arista Records. The label became a major force in hip-hop.
1994: The Notorious B.I.G. and a Tragic Rivalry
Bad Boy’s breakout moment came with the release of Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G. The album solidified Combs’ status in the industry. However, the East Coast-West Coast rivalry led to tensions, and soon after, rapper Tupac Shakur accused Combs and Biggie of having prior knowledge of an attack on him.
1997: The Murder of Biggie Smalls
The death of Combs’ friend and protege, Biggie Smalls, in Los Angeles devastated the hip-hop world. Combs released I’ll Be Missing You in tribute to Biggie.
1998: Grammy Glory
Combs earned two Grammy awards, one for his debut album No Way Out and another for I’ll Be Missing You with Faith Evans.

Expansion and Controversies: A Business Mogul’s Life

1999: Legal Trouble and a Scandalous Night
Combs and girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were involved in a shooting at a New York City nightclub. Combs was later arrested on gun charges, though he was acquitted in 2001.
**2002: Television Stardom with Making the Band **
Combs launched the talent show Making the Band, solidifying his influence in the entertainment world.
2004: Super Bowl Halftime & Broadway Debut
Performing at the Super Bowl Halftime show with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, Combs was at the peak of his public career. He also made his Broadway debut in A Raisin in the Sun.
2005: Rebranding as Diddy
Combs shed his “Puff Daddy” persona and officially began going by “Diddy.”
2008: Hollywood Walk of Fame & Lawsuits
Combs was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame but faced another legal battle after an alleged post-Oscar altercation.

The Later Years: Personal Tragedy and Legal Woes

2015: Arrest at UCLA
Combs was arrested in 2015 after a confrontation at UCLA, but the assault charges were later dropped.
2016: Education and Philanthropy
Combs opened the Capital Preparatory School in Harlem and pledged $1 million to Howard University, continuing his philanthropic work.
2017: Forbes Recognition
Combs was named the highest-paid celebrity by Forbes, earning $130 million in a single year.
2018: Loss of Kim Porter
The tragic death of Combs’ former girlfriend, Kim Porter, at the age of 47, left a lasting mark on him and their children.
2022: BET Lifetime Achievement Award
Combs was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards for his contributions to music and culture.

The Legal Battle: Accusations and Allegations

November 2023: Cassie Lawsuit
R&B singer Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of years of abuse, including sexual assault and rape. The case was settled, but Combs denied all accusations.
November 2023: More Accusations Surface
Following Cassie’s lawsuit, two additional women filed complaints, accusing Combs of similar abuse. As the number of allegations grew, Combs maintained his innocence.
March 2024: Federal Investigation
Federal agents searched Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach as part of an ongoing investigation into the accusations.
May 2024: Disturbing Video Emerges
A video surfaced showing Combs attacking Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016. He later apologized for the incident on social media.
September 2024: Arrest and Indictment
Combs was arrested on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, accused of using his business empire to coerce women into sexual performances. His attorneys described the charges as an unjust attack.
May 2025: Trial Looms
Jury selection for Combs’ trial is scheduled to begin in May 2025, as he faces a long road ahead in court.

Conclusion: The Future of a Music Mogul

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ rise from a young intern at Uptown Records to one of the most influential figures in music and business is undeniable. However, his legacy is now heavily shadowed by serious legal allegations. As his trial approaches, the world watches closely to see if the mogul will overcome the challenges ahead or if this marks the end of an era for one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures.

Source: AP News – A timeline of the rise and fall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs