The article discusses the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs amid serious allegations of abuse, including extortion and sex trafficking. Much of this content, particularly on TikTok, is manipulated or AI-generated, involving fake images and songs. Numerous other celebrities are speculated to be connected to Combs, often through edited visuals. Experts highlight the challenges of verifying information on social media, where sensationalism thrives over accuracy.
False narratives and bizarre conspiracy theories are rampant, particularly on TikTok, regarding the allegations of misconduct against the renowned US artist Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. A significant portion of the content circulating is either altered or generated by artificial intelligence.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the well-known rapper and producer, was taken into custody in mid-September, facing serious accusations including organized extortion, sex trafficking, fraud, and coercion. Currently, more than 120 individuals have come forward, filing legal claims against him, alongside the involvement of the public prosecutor’s office, which continues to add further allegations and claimants.
Amid the unfolding details of Combs’ alleged criminal activities, social media platforms are inundated with manipulated images, AI-generated music, fake videos, and outlandish speculations and conspiracy theories. TikTok has become a particular hotspot for this misinformation connected to the Combs controversy.
The musician may potentially face life imprisonment but has categorically denied all allegations of misconduct.
According to Una Titz, a monitoring expert at the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, the rumor spread is particularly effective on TikTok. ‘Short videos that engender speculation perform well; this format thrives on brevity and a nonchalant style,’ she explains.
TikTok is a platform that thrives on rapid trends. ‘Content creators from the true crime or pop culture genres often specialize in speculative and misleading posts,’ Titz adds. Moreover, citing reliable sources is notably challenging on TikTok.
Manipulated Images Linking Combs to Harris
Numerous images and videos have emerged on various social media platforms, purporting to show Kamala Harris, the Democratic US presidential candidate, alongside Combs. However, all these images are fabricated.
One widely circulated image allegedly depicts Harris and Combs at a party, claiming that Harris and her associates spent over five million dollars to remove photos of her and Combs from the internet. A closer inspection reveals that Harris’ appearance in the photo is dubious, indicating digital manipulation.
A reverse image search reveals that the photo actually originates from 2019, capturing Combs with fashion stylist Misa Hylton. This original image has been mirrored, zoomed in on, and the women’s faces swapped. Another misleading video and accompanying screenshots do display Harris, but her companion in the footage is not Combs; it’s television presenter Montel Williams.
Even former US presidential candidate Donald Trump shared this manipulated image to draw his rival Harris into the scandal surrounding Combs. He has numerous authentic images of himself with the musician.
A doctored image falsely portrays Kamala Harris alongside Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The image lacks authenticity.
Numerous Celebrity Speculations
The name of Kamala Harris is not alone in this web of fabrications. Many other high-profile figures have been falsely linked to Combs, often through manipulated content, driven by varied motives, according to Titz. ‘Unlike typical conspiracy narratives, there’s no cohesive overarching storyline here; instead, we see many smaller stories that reflect differing ideological perspectives, using the Combs case to reinforce their views.’
One image claims to show singer Jennifer Lopez attending one of Combs’ alleged parties, suggesting this was the real reason for her separation from actor Ben Affleck.
However, this image, propagated by followers of the QAnon narrative, is altered. The faces of Lopez and Combs have been grafted onto different bodies, as evidenced by the sharper quality of their features compared to the rest of the photo. Other inconsistencies further reveal its doctored nature.
In the conspiracy circles of QAnon, Combs has been compared to Jeffrey Epstein, a millionaire accused of operating a pedophilic sex trafficking ring. Epstein died in custody, and QAnon narratives often link prominent figures in various fields to horrific and baseless allegations of satanic and sadistic acts.
AI-Generated Music Underpins False Claims
Social media also frequently invokes the name of Canadian artist Justin Bieber, claiming he is one of Combs’ victims. A fictitious song attributed to Bieber allegedly contains the lyrics: ‘I lost myself at a Diddy party. I didn’t know it would be like this. I was there for a new Ferrari, but it cost more than my soul. It wasn’t worth all the fortune and fame.’
In reality, Justin Bieber never performed this song; it is entirely AI-generated using his vocal likeness. No such song exists in his discography.