Significant Decline in Streaming
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Streaming Activity Declines After Assault Allegations Notable Drop in Streaming
Since accusations of abuse and harassment surfaced, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ streaming activity has significantly dropped. Tracking music streams and purchases, Luminate reports that for songs under his stage name Diddy, there was a 51.8% decline in U.S. library streaming from the first week of December to the week ending May 16.
Comparable Drops Under Several Stage Names
Streams dropped 48.3% to 703,000 from 1,359,000 under his former stage name, Puff Daddy. The decline was less for his current stage name, Diddy, which fell from 604,000 to 591,200 streams, or 2.1%.
Layout of the Charges
Following his 2016 apology for an attack on Cassie Ventura, his ex-girlfriend and former mentee, Combs’ streaming numbers dropped. CNN received video showing Combs following Ventura, snatching her by the neck, and physically abusing her. Taking to Instagram, Combs apologized for his unacceptable actions during a difficult time in his life.
Legal and Personal Matters
Combs and Ventura had a love relationship going on for more than ten years. Ventura charged in November that Combs had physically abused and raped her repeatedly during their relationship. The lawsuit said Ventura was enmeshed in a cycle of assault, abuse, and sex trafficking by Combs and contained accusations against Bad Boy and Sony Music. They settled the case soon after it was filed, but Combs is now the target of several fresh lawsuits this year alleging rape, sexual assault, and sex trafficking—all of which he has denied. Homeland Security searched both of his Miami and Los Angeles properties in March.
Effects on Music Career
Combs’ most recent record, “The Love Album,” got him a Grammy nomination—his first as a lead artist in 20 years—despite these accusations. But with all of the surrounding controversy, he skipped the event in February. Although the record had notable collaborations with Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend, it did not chart well. It was not nominated for Album of the Year at the BET Awards this year, but it was on the first round ballot.
Highlights of my Career
Starting in the 1990s, Combs has mostly contributed to tracks as a producer, collaborator, and remixer. Among the songs he produced were those for Burna Boy, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., and Mary J. Blige. Among the many musicians with whom he has collaborated are Usher, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Katy Perry. Along with three Grammy Awards, Combs has 15 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including five No. 1s.
About Luminate
Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge Industries formed a joint venture to operate Luminate; Penske Media Corporation also owns The Hollywood Reporter.