Russell Simmons Stands Up For Diddy Amid Flurry Of Memes And #NoDiddy Jokes
Diddy’s recent legal misfortunes have made him the source of many jokes, as phrases like “#NoDiddy” and “The Diddler” are becoming a regular part of social media language. Russell Simmons recently spoke up on the mogul’s behalf regarding his life becoming a source of entertainment following the commencement of his federal sex trafficking investigation. Simmons also highlights the hypocrisy of certain entertainers participating in mocking a man who once helped them.
“I know it’s fun to watch for some people,” the Def Jam co-founder said in a recent Instagram Live. “If I had a nickel for every nasty meme sent to me from people whose lives were enhanced and built by Sean Combs […] I think it’s a bit hypocritical when the only reason you have a life is because you worked for him or he gave you a job or lifted you up somehow.”
Despite the horrid allegations made against Puff, Simmons stated that it pained him to see his life unfold in this way. “Watching our brothers fall is hurtful,” he said. “And everybody [getting] together and [laughing] at our brothers fall or supporting the tearing down of our brothers. You know it’s tough. We may think it’s entertaining. Some of the memes are funny, but we have to look up and train our minds to see the good in things and not the negative.”
Now, it’s no shock that Russell Simmons would defend Diddy given their relationship. However, it is also no surprise given the fact that Simmons has been subject to similar allegations over the years. He was first accused of sexual assault in 2017, and Terry Crews revealed that the Phat Farm creator requested that he pardon Adam Venit for assaulting him.
This opened the floodgates for several other allegations to be sent Simmons’ way, namely rape. An unnamed producer for Def Jam in the 90s claimed that the record executive performed a wrestling move on her, forced her onto the bed, and proceeded to rape her. He was accused of so much, that the allegations were all covered in the 2020 documentary On The Record.
Diddy’s first lawsuit came from his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, in November 2023. The singer accused him of rape, sexual assault and sex trafficking. Though they settled outside of court, this was the catalyst for several women to come forward. One claimed that she was raped as a teenager by both Diddy and former Bad Boy President Harve Pierre.
The sex trafficking investigation hit a climax in March, when Homeland Security raided the “I Need A Girl” artist’s Los Angeles and Miami homes. Puff wasn’t present, but his sons Justin and Christian were at his Los Angeles residence, and were briefly taken into custody. 50 Cent made several jokes about the entire ordeal, continuing his role as the unofficial commentator for all of the New York artist’s legal woes.
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