At the peak of her career, Red had previously collaborated with artists like Zendaya and Jason Derulo. In an interview with ABC News, she discussed her troubling experiences with Combs, who is now facing multiple serious lawsuits.
“These events have disrupted my career and personal life,” Red shared during her appearance on “IMPACT x Nightline,” part of a series titled “Diddy’s Downfall,” available on Hulu.
Shortly after the video’s release, Combs issued a statement acknowledging his actions, saying, “I hit rock bottom. I make no excuses. My behavior is inexcusable, and I take full responsibility.”
Red recounted her initial interaction with Combs when he confronted her about writing songs for Cassie, expressing intimidation and insight into the controlling behavior attributed to him.
Combs has denied all allegations against him, stating, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
Born in Harlem, Combs aimed for success in the music industry, attending Howard University for two years before becoming a party promoter. His early reputation quickly attracted the attention of celebrities and record labels. Culture critic Jamilah Lemieux noted that Diddy’s rise to fame was notably rapid.
After attending Howard University, Sean Combs began working under his future mentor, Andre Harrell, at Uptown Records, a label known for launching the careers of artists like Heavy D, Mary J. Blige, and The Notorious B.I.G.
In 1993, Combs, then known as “Puff Daddy,” founded Bad Boy Records. Partnering with Biggie, he became a prominent figure in the 1990s hip-hop scene, rivaling West Coast stars like Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight.
The violent deaths of Tupac in 1996 and Biggie shortly after brought national attention to the East Coast/West Coast rivalry in hip-hop.
To honor Biggie’s memory, Combs released “I’ll Be Missing You” featuring Faith Evans, which propelled him to stardom. Journalist Justin Tinsley noted that Combs used this moment not only to grieve but also to promote Bad Boy Records.
As his career flourished, Combs’s romantic life garnered media attention, particularly his relationship with Jennifer Lopez. In 1999, they were arrested following a nightclub shooting incident linked to a dispute inside the venue.
According to former NYPD detective Derrick Parker, rapper Shyne, affiliated with Bad Boy, fled the scene with a gun. Combs and Lopez were apprehended nearby, leading to Combs being charged with gun possession and bribery; he was later acquitted, while Lopez faced no charges. Shyne received a ten-year prison sentence but was released after serving nearly nine years. He currently serves as a prominent politician in Belize.
Beyond music, Combs ventured into fashion, business, television, and spirits. His clothing line, Sean John, launched in 1998, made history as the first fashion show to be televised live. In 2006, he introduced his first men’s cologne, Unforgivable. His most successful business endeavor began in 2007 with Cîroc vodka, which he helped grow from 40,000 to 2 million cases sold annually.