Janice Smalls Combs, mother of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, has issued a fervent statement defending her son against the serious criminal charges and multiple sexual misconduct allegations he currently faces. The 54-year-old Combs is currently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after entering a not guilty plea to federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
In her statement, released through her attorneys on Sunday, Janice Smalls Combs described the ongoing legal battle as an “unbearable” experience. She expressed her frustration with what she perceives as her son’s public vilification, likening it to a “public lynching” before he’s had the chance to prove his innocence.
While acknowledging her son’s past mistakes, including a 2016 incident involving his ex-girlfriend Cassie (Casandra Ventura), Janice Smalls Combs admitted that Sean hasn’t always been truthful about his behavior with former partners. She suggested that the decision to settle Cassie’s lawsuit was an attempt to mitigate further public damage rather than an admission of guilt.
The charges against Sean Combs stem from a comprehensive federal indictment alleging his involvement in a criminal enterprise since 2008. The accusations include sex trafficking, forced labor, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors claim Combs used his business empire to conceal illegal activities, including organizing events called “Freak Offs” where he allegedly abused women and distributed drugs.
Further complicating matters, Texas attorney Tony Buzbee announced on October 1 that he represents 120 new accusers with additional sexual misconduct claims against Combs. The alleged victims include both males and females, with 25 reportedly being minors at the time of the alleged abuse.
Janice Smalls Combs concluded her statement with a plea for understanding and patience from the public. She maintains that her son is not the “monster” he’s been portrayed as and urges people to withhold judgment until they hear his side of the story.
As the high-profile legal battle unfolds and new allegations emerge, the emotional toll on Combs’ family is evident in his mother’s impassioned defense.