In the wake of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ recent arrest on sex trafficking charges, a resurfaced interview from 22 years ago has sparked renewed interest and controversy.
The 54-year-old star was arrested at a hotel in New York on Monday night, and he has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has been remanded to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after pleading not guilty, and he has twice been denied bail.
According to PEOPLE, Combs is on suicide watch, with sources describing the move as a preventative measure as he is in shock with his mental state unclear.
The now-viral interview, which originally aired in 2002 on Late Night With Conan O’Brien, featured Combs making unsettling jokes about keeping women from leaving his parties – a comment that has taken on new meaning in light of his current legal troubles.
He is currently being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center without bail, after a judge denied his request for release.
The resurfaced interview shows the music mogul, once considered one of the industry’s most powerful figures, giving Conan O’Brien advice on how to throw a ‘killer party.’
While initially offering light-hearted tips – such as ensuring there were ‘beautiful women’ and ‘beautiful men for the ‘ladies’ along with ‘alcohols’ and water – Combs then made a disturbing comment about keeping women from leaving the party.
‘If you don’t have what they need, they’re gonna leave,’ Combs said, referring to water at parties. ‘You need locks on the doors.’
O’Brien, taken aback by the remark, paused before responding, ‘Okay, this is sounding kind of dangerous now.’
Combs, seemingly unfazed, replied, ‘It’s a little kinky,’ and continued offering party tips. He went on to suggest turning off the air conditioning at parties, claiming that heat affects how alcohol is consumed and makes people ‘a little more comfortable and loose.’
O’Brien attempted to inject some humor into the uncomfortable moment by responding, ‘That just sounds disgusting.’
But Combs brushed off the comment and finished by saying that great music and his presence were also essential ingredients for any party.
While the interview was originally seen as another quirky late-night moment, it now paints a troubling picture in the context of Combs’ current legal battle.
In addition to the Conan interview, other unsettling clips from Combs’ past have also resurfaced.
One video, filmed in 2022, showed Combs and his mother, Janice, kissing on the lips while sitting outside, both hooked up to IVs. During the video, Combs spoke about his close relationship with his mother, revealing his plans to start a dating show centered around her and mentioning that they even go to strip clubs together.
Another video that has reemerged since his arrest documents Combs spending 48 hours with a then 15-year-old Justin Bieber.
In the clip, Combs says, ‘He’s having 48 hours with Diddy, where we hanging out and what we’re doing we can’t really disclose,’ leading many to be suspicious about what Bieber was exposed to during that time.
As more details of Combs’ past come to light, public perception of the once-revered music mogul continues to shift.
His recent arrest has thrown his legacy and career into turmoil, with the resurfaced clips only deepening the controversy surrounding him. (Metro)