Usher has sparked backlash after insisting he has “nothing destructive to say” about Sean “Diddy” Combs, regardless of condemnations of the disgraced mogul.
The rapper was accused of working a intercourse trafficking operation and was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution of his ex-girlfriend, singer Ventura, and one other girl often called Jane, who testified on the trial.
Usher, 47, who has identified Combs for many years, made the feedback throughout an look on Forbes’ The Enterprise Zone, the place he was requested to explain influential figures in his life in a single phrase.
When Combs’ title got here up, Usher merely replied, “Legacy.”
Pressed additional, the Good and Gradual singer doubled down, acknowledging that his views could possibly be “controversial” however arguing that Combs’ contributions shouldn’t be missed.
“I’ve nothing destructive to say about Sean Combs as a result of my expertise was not what the world has seen and the way he has been misrepresented,” he stated.
“In some ways, I believe sure individuals are persecuted and maybe not acknowledged for the greatness that they provide.”
The feedback haven’t gone down nicely with followers, lots of whom view them as tone-deaf given the seriousness of the accusations and convictions surrounding Combs.
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One other wrote: ‘Hope Usher is prepared for the warmth that comes with opening this door, he might have simply chosen to not reply however you realize what, I am glad he did. Now we additionally know what he is likely to be about.’
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Diddy, 56, has been behind bars since his arrest in September 2024.
Though he was acquitted of extra critical fees, together with intercourse trafficking and racketeering, he was sentenced to 4 years and two months in jail and a $500,000 effective.
The court docket heard about Combs’ alleged days-long intercourse events, or “freak offs”, throughout which he allegedly compelled a number of victims to carry out sexual acts.
The court docket was additionally proven video footage of Diddy kicking and punching his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, on the InterContinental Resort in 2016 earlier than dragging her throughout the ground.
The CCTV footage has been broadly circulated over the previous 12 months, with Combs himself reportedly buying it for $50,000 (£37.6k) the day after the assault, apparently in an try to stop it from changing into public.
Studies in latest weeks point out that his time in custody could also be prolonged. His launch was initially scheduled for Could 2028, however his date has reportedly been pushed again to June after alleged rule violations on the low-security Fort Dix facility in New Jersey.
In response to reviews, Combs was accused of ingesting selfmade alcohol brewed by inmates, though his representatives have denied the claims and insisted he remained targeted on sobriety and self-improvement.
He’s stated to work within the jail chapel, enroll in a rehabilitation program and even educate enterprise lessons to fellow inmates.
Nonetheless, to many observers, Usher’s feedback really feel out of step with the broader public response to the case.
Combs performed a pivotal function in Usher’s early profession, mentoring him as a teen and serving to form his rise within the music business.
However followers at the moment are questioning whether or not loyalty ought to outweigh duty, and what Usher’s help of Diddy says about his character.
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