Netflix's response to Diddy's criticism of 'The Reckoning' as a hit piece: What you need to know about 50 Cent's controversial documentary

Netflix is unveiling a deep dive into one of the most influentialand now most controversialfigures in modern music with Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a four-part documentary series executive produced by Curtis 50 Cent Jackson and directed by award-winning filmmaker Alexandria Stapleton. The long-awaited series premieres on December 2, just months after Combs was convicted on federal charges involving transportation for prostitution. He is currently serving time while appealing his conviction and sentence.

Using never-before-seen footage, testimonies from those close to Combs, and firsthand accounts from people who were part of his inner circle, the series chronicles the rise and fall of the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment. It explores his legacy as a defining figure in hip-hop and the allegations of misconduct that have surrounded him for decades.

More on the documentary: The series has already ignited a war of words between Combs, Jackson, and Netflix. Heres everything you need to know before you watch the series, including a full list of exclusive interviews, details about the legal case, and insights from Stapleton and Jackson on why this story needed to be told.

What Is 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning' About?

This docuseries follows Combs rapid rise from a determined intern to one of the most powerful figures in the music industry. As the mastermind behind Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs helped define the sound of 1990s and 2000s hip-hop, launching the careers of artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, and Danity Kane, among others. However, the documentary also focuses on the darker side of his empire, revealing a history of misconduct accusations spanning decades, culminating in the 2023 lawsuit filed by R&B singer Casandra Cassie Ventura. The lawsuit accuses Combs of physical abuse, coercion, and trafficking, sparking a cultural reckoning. The caseand the following wave of allegationshas become a "stress test" of societal change, according to Stapleton.

This isnt just the story of Sean Combs or Cassie or any of the victims, Stapleton explains. Ultimately, this story reflects us as a public and how we elevate celebrities to an almost untouchable status.

Who Created the Documentary?

The project comes from Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, who has increasingly focused on investigative and true-crime programming through G-Unit Film and Television, and Alexandria Stapleton, an award-winning director known for exploring the intersections of power, culture, and accountability.

Ive been dedicated to telling real stories for years, Jackson said. Im grateful to everyone who trusted us with their stories, and Im proud to have Alexandria Stapleton direct this important narrative.

The series includes exclusive footage of Combs filmed just before his arrest and indictment. According to Stapleton, Sean Combs has always been obsessed with documenting his life. Hes been filming himself since he was 19.

Exclusive Interviews Featured in the Documentary

Netflix has revealed the complete list of people who will appear on camera, many of whom are speaking out for the first time. Among them are:

• Aubrey O'Day Danity Kane member, Making the Band alum
• Kirk Burrowes co-founder of Bad Boy Entertainment
• Jurors from United States v. Combs
• Joi Dickerson-Neal alleged victim, former acquaintance
• D1 former Mansfield Crips member
• Erick Sermon rapper, former EPMD member
• Roxanne Johnson ex-wife of Bad Boy artist Craig Mack
• Mark Curry former Bad Boy artist, author of Dancing with the Devil
• William Lesane cousin of Tupac Shakur
• Kalenna Harper member of Diddy-Dirty Money
• Brooklyn Babs Making the Band contestant, Da Band member
• Clayton Howard former sex worker allegedly employed by Combs
• Qwanell Que Mosley Making the Band, Day26
• Brian Andrews, Willie Taylor & Robert Curry Day26
• Greg Kading former LAPD detective
• Derrick Parker former NYPD rap intelligence head
• Capricorn Clark former assistant and creative director at Bad Boy Entertainment

These interviews aim to provide a multifaceted view of Combs legacy, portraying both his role as a visionary who built a global brand and the darker forces allegedly operating within his empire.

Diddys Response to the Documentary

On December 1, a representative for Combs released a statement denouncing the docuseries as a "shameful hit piece." The statement accused Netflix of granting creative control to 50 Cent, describing him as a "longtime adversary with a personal vendetta" who has spent years slandering Combs. The full statement read:

"Netflixs so-called documentary is a shameful hit piece. Todays GMA teaser confirms that Netflix used stolen footage never authorized for release. Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story. Its unfair and illegal for Netflix to use that material. If Netflix cared about the truth, they wouldnt misappropriate private footage, including conversations with his lawyers. Giving creative control to Curtis 50 Cent Jacksona man who has publicly attacked Mr. Combs for yearsis a deep personal betrayal. Mr. Combs expected fairness from Netflix and from people he respected."

Netflixs Statement

In response, Netflix issued a statement defending the project, saying: "The claims being made about Sean Combs: The Reckoning are false. The footage used was legally obtained. The series is not a hit piece or act of retribution. Curtis Jackson is an executive producer but does not have creative control. No one was paid to participate."

When to Watch

Sean Combs: The Reckoning will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 2.

Author: Riley Thompson