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Sean Combs has once again been in the news this week, and not for the right reasons. The American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur, known also as both P. Diddy and Puff Daddy, was allegedly seen on a video obtained by CNN assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
The video, which rightly needs a disclaimer highlighting the distressing scenes of violence, has put Diddy to the top of the American headlines once again after the March raid of his properties in Los Angeles and Miami as part of a sex-trafficking investigation.
As regards the video, Combs had vehemently denied the lawsuit from Ventura’s representatives.
Who is Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs?
P. Diddy is a highly influential figure in the music industry, particularly in the realms of hip-hop and rap who initially gained prominence in the early 1990s as a talent manager for artists such as Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. His debut album ‘No Way Out’ won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 1998
He later founded his own record label, Bad Boy Records, which became home to some of the most successful artists in hip-hop and R&B, including The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, and Mase. He also produced tracks for the likes of Mariah Carey, Usher, Lil’ Kim and Boyz II Men, to name but a few, while Combs himself released several successful albums under the his various names.
Beyond music, he’s expanded his business ventures into fashion, acting, and entrepreneurship. His ventures include the clothing line Sean John, the reality TV show “Making the Band,” and the vodka brand Ciroc, among others. Combs is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Right now his positive reputation is being destroyed with the news on Monday that the US Department of Homeland Security’s federal authorities conducted a search warrant operation, raiding his properties in Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and New York.
What is Puff Daddy’s fortune?
Diddy has a reported net worth of $800 million, which makes him one of the richest rappers ever, although his fortune has been amassed from more than just his dealings in music, as stated above.
Combs has brought in over $1 billion in wealth in the last two decades, largely through strategic business ventures. His most successful partnership was with liquor giant Diageo, where he played a key role in popularising Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila.
Legal filings revealed that Diageo paid Combs $1 billion between 2007 and 2023 for his contributions, potentially surpassing earnings from his music career. While the relationship ended in January 2024, it was actually back in June of 2023 when the cracks started to appear. Reports say that Combs sued Diageo before the drinks companied severed ties in the same month, countersuing in October of the same year.
Combs’ other entrepreneurial activities have seen him involved in the clothing line ‘Sean John’, he has a major equity stake in Revolt TV, and he purchased a majority holding in beverage company Aquahydrate. He also became a major investor in gaming infrastructure company PlayVS.
