The BBC has announced a brand new documentary on the “rise and fall” of Grammy-winning artist and producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs – and viewers don’t have long to wait before it lands.
Fronted by broadcaster Yinka Bokinni, P Diddy: The Rise and Fall will explore the life of the musician and the world that propelled him to stardom as well as his recent fall from grace. It will also explore his undeniable impact on everything from fashion to culture thanks to his business empire spanning not only music, but also reality TV, fragrance and drinks.
According to the BBC’s announcement, members of Combs’ inner circle and critics will contribute to the documentary. The official synopsis reads: “Yinka Bokinni explores how Sean Combs – AKA P Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy, Brother Love – has gone from being the world’s biggest Hip-Hop mogul, to haemorrhaging friends and fans in a matter of months.
“Yinka will map his extraordinary success and influence, and his far-reaching impact on music, fashion and culture – while meeting those close to him to understand what may have led to this very public disgrace. Yinka will explore how this case has been a significant topic of conversation across press and social media- with constant speculation and sometimes rumour.”
It continues: “Taking nothing at face value, Yinka will unpack the interplay of power, money, moral corruption, and sexism, which underpins this story.”
P Diddy rose to fame in the 1990s and is credited with shaping the modern music scene, particularly regarding the commercialisation of the Hip-Hop genre. Under his label Bad Boy Records he has worked with artists like Usher, Mary J Blige, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey.
However, in 2024 he was arrested in New York following raids on two of his properties and he has been held in detention ever since having been refused bail. He faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
His trial will begin in May. Prosecutors allege he “abused, threatened, and coerced women” and created “a criminal enterprise” that involved bribery, kidnapping and forced labour.
P Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The new documentary will be released on Monday 28th April. It will be shown on BBC Three at 9pm and also be available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
Presenter Yinka, who also serves as the documentary’s associate producer, shared: “My job is to tell stories—but never did I imagine I’d be telling this one. Investigating the alleged actions of Diddy has forced a spotlight onto the darker side of an industry so many of us dream of belonging to.
“We sang his songs, bought into the lifestyle, watched the shows and wanted more. This has been an emotional, sometimes difficult experience. And with a trial on the horizon, what happens next will no doubt be gripping—in the most sobering way.”
P Diddy: The Rise and Fall will be available to watch on BBC Three at 9pm on April 28 with viewers also able to stream it for free on BBC iPlayer
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