Latest news with #PuffDaddy

The Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Trump: No requests to pardon Sean ‘Diddy' Combs, but will look at facts
Trump has made extensive use of his power to pardon or commute the sentences of people accused of or convicted of federal crimes, a break with tradition, as presidents normally wait until near the end of their terms before granting clemency. Trump, a Republican, said he had not seen or spoken to Combs in years. Combs could face life in prison if convicted on all counts. Also known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P Diddy, Combs is known for turning artists including Notorious BIG and Mary J Blige into stars. In the process he elevated hip-hop in American culture and became a billionaire. The criminal charges filed last September and dozens of civil lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual abuse have left his reputation in tatters. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan alleged over two decades Combs coerced women to take part in drug-fuelled sexual performances known as 'freak-offs' with male sex workers. Two women have testified Combs raped them. His lawyers have acknowledged he was at times abusive in romantic relationships but argued the women who took part in 'freak-offs' did so consensually. Reuters


Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The ominous reason behind P Diddy's original stage name 'Puff Daddy'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Hip-hop titan Sean 'P Diddy' Combs, famously known by a plethora of stage names over the decades, finds himself in the spotlight at a New York City courthouse, standing trial over allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. The 55-year-old celebrity, alongside his legal team, stoutly refutes the charges levelled against him, asserting his innocence as the proceedings pass the third week mark. Amidst ongoing legal battles and with P Diddy's purported criminal acts seizing public attention, many fans are only now uncovering the roots of his original moniker, Puff Daddy. Launching into fame in 1997, Combs skyrocketed to success when "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," his first single, dominated the charts. READ MORE - Kate Middleton's brutal response when told she's lucky to have Prince William READ MORE - Meghan Markle's honest one-word response when asked about meeting Kate Middleton Throughout the years, he's opted for diverse aliases, starting as the infamous Puff Daddy before later adopting the tags P Diddy and Diddy. Pulled straight from Combs' own accounts, "Puff Daddy" traces back to his childhood moniker "Puff," stemming from his childhood habit of "huff and puff" antics whenever he lost his temper, reports the Mirror US. The epithet "Puff" laid the foundation for his initial foray into the rap game as Puff Daddy, clinching the top spot with his opening single in 1997. By then, Combs had already established himself as a major force in music, having founded Bad Boy Records in 1993 and crowning himself as its chief. In a bid for reinvention after being acquitted of gun possession and bribery charges in 2001, he swapped out Puff Daddy for P. Diddy, setting his sights on a fresh start. Sean Combs, the renowned rapper, had announced a name change from Puff Daddy to P Diddy back in 2001. "No more Puff Daddy - the first week in June, we're going to have a name-change ceremony," Combs stated at the time, adding: "I'm not doing it as serious as Prince. I just want something fresh. I'm rocking with P Diddy just now." He subsequently released his album, The Saga Continues, under the new moniker, although he had previously used the alias in record credits for his work with other artists. Combs attributed the origin of the name P. Diddy to his friend, the late rapper Notorious B.I. G. who was tragically shot and killed in 1997. Meanwhile, Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial, which has featured testimony from his ex-partner Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, is expected to continue for at least five more weeks. In a recent development, imprisoned rapper Suge Knight has urged his long-time rival Combs to take the stand in the trial. Suge, currently serving a 28-year sentence for a 2015 fatal hit-and-run, believes Combs should defend himself in court to "humanize" himself and persuade the jury to "give him a shot". Suge commented that Combs' silence makes him appear "scared to face the music" and advised him to "have his faith in God." He added, "I feel if he does tell his truth, he really would walk."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Origin Of Diddy's Former 'Puff Daddy' Stage Name Resurfaces Amid Rapper's Sex-Crimes Trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs, who has gone by many names throughout his long career, is currently on trial after his arrest last year on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Several witnesses have been called to the stand to share their testimony, including the rapper's ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura. Now, amid Diddy's explosive trial, the story of his previous name, "Puff Daddy," has begun circulating again, leaving many intrigued by the rapper's past. People are just getting to know about the eerie meaning behind Diddy's former stage name, "Puff Daddy," as his sex-crimes trial rages on. The embattled rapper officially launched his career in 1990, and by 1996, he released the song "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," which topped the charts at the time and became his first number-one single. Since then, he has had several monikers, including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Brother Love. According to The Mirror, Diddy himself revealed "Puff Daddy" originated from his childhood nickname, "Puff," which was given to him because he had a tendency to "huff and puff" whenever he was angry. However, by 2001, Diddy switched from "Puff Daddy" to "P. Diddy," as he sought a fresh name following his acquittal in a court case in which he had been charged with gun possession and bribery. "No more Puff Daddy - the first week in June, we're going to have a name-change ceremony," Combs said at the time, per the news outlet. "I'm not doing it as serious as Prince. I just want something fresh. I'm rocking with P. Diddy just now." Regarding the origin of "P. Diddy," the rapper reportedly said it was suggested to him by his late friend, Notorious B.I.G., who died in 1996.' Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him by the government and has been on trial for more than two weeks now. According to the Daily Mail, the rapper has adopted the position of a "quarterback" to his lineup of well-paid attorneys and has seemingly shaken off early nerves he the courtroom during the trial. He has been seen passing dozens of sticky notes to his lawyers, intensely questioning them during breaks, and suggesting they bring in different evidence, and has generally used his memories to bolster his lawyers' tactics. "He was there, he remembers exactly what happened: nobody knows more about Diddy's life than he does," a source told the news outlet. "He's very involved and he's on top of things because he knows his life is on the line." The report is a far cry from what things initially looked like when Diddy's trial first started. During jury selection on May 5, the "I'm Coming Home" rapper notably raised his hand and asked for a bathroom break because he was a "little nervous." In court, he was overheard telling his attorney, Anna Esteavo, that he was "proud" of her before she cross-examined his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura. He has also exerted his influence in more subtle ways, including when he nodded repeatedly as his former executive assistant, George Kaplan, described in glowing terms his commitment to diversity at Combs Enterprises. His demeanor has also changed as he no longer appears to be anxiously hunched over at his chair but now sits back in a relaxed manner to watch as proceedings unfold. "He's running the show, no doubt about it," one observer who has been in court most days told the Daily Mail. "He's becoming more confident as each day goes by - he's the boss." A source doubled down on what the trial meant to Diddy, explaining that he was not joking around. "There are so many comedy takes out there, but what they're forgetting is that this guy can go to jail for the rest of his life," they said. "This isn't a joke for Diddy." Diddy was said to be devastated after missing the high school graduation of his twin daughters, Jessie and D'Lila Combs, last week due to his ongoing federal trial. A source close to the rapper said the day meant everything to Diddy and that he was "heartbroken" for not being able to witness them walk the stage in person. "He was heartbroken not to be there for such a monumental moment in the twins' lives — graduation and prom," the insider told Page Six. "It meant everything to him." Diddy's family seems to be his motivation as he tries to prove his innocence from the racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges he's been accused of. The insider explained that he has repeatedly said he's "fighting for his life and wants to get back to his family." Despite being away from their father since his September 2024 arrest, the "Finna Get Loose" rapper's children have put up a united front, especially during their appearances in court, and are usually seen holding hands together as they enter and exit the courtroom. Meanwhile, Diddy seemingly did all he could to ensure that the girls had a fun and happy experience on their big day, and didn't feel left out. According to Page Six, a source close to the situation said the music mogul instructed his relatives to ensure the day was all about the 18-year-old twins. "He specifically asked the family to focus on the girls and to stay out of court so they could be together and fully present for them, especially since Kim [Porter] was not present," the source said.


Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
How did Sean 'P Diddy' Combs become Puff Daddy? The surprising story uncovered amid his trial
Agencies Sean Combs, famously known as Puff Daddy, earned his nickname from a childhood temper habit of 'huffing and puffing.' As his high-profile sex trafficking trial continues, the origin of the name resurfaces with new significance. In the swirl of headlines surrounding the ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial of hip-hop tycoon Sean Combs, better known as P Diddy, a curious revelation has reemerged from the depths of pop culture memory: the eerie, almost poetic story behind his original stage name—Puff Daddy. While Combs faces intense scrutiny at a New York City courthouse, where the trial is now in its fourth week, online sleuths and fans are digging into the rapper's past, not just his legal one. And in the process, many are only now discovering the odd childhood trait that inspired the name that first catapulted him into the limelight. According to The Mirror , long before he was a chart-topping mogul, a record label founder, or the face of luxury hip-hop, young Sean Combs was just a kid with a temper. He once admitted that the nickname 'Puff' was given to him because, as a child, he would 'huff and puff' whenever he got angry. That harmless nickname eventually grew into 'Puff Daddy,' a persona that would go on to define the sound and swagger of '90s hip-hop. It was under that name that he released Can't Nobody Hold Me Down in 1997—a debut single that rocketed to number one and introduced the world to his sharp beats, unapologetic bravado, and uncanny ability to create hits. But today, as allegations of a very different kind circulate, the origin of that name—once a fun footnote in a rags-to-riches story—feels strangely unsettling. While Combs has gone by many names over the decades—P. Diddy, Diddy, even briefly just Sean—Puff Daddy remains the most iconic, a symbol of his rise in both music and pop culture. He founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, a label that would launch the careers of legends like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase, securing Combs' place in music royalty. But in 2001, he traded Puff Daddy for P. Diddy, saying at the time he 'wanted something fresh.' That rebrand came on the heels of his own courtroom victory, having been found not guilty on charges of gun possession and bribery. Now, over two decades later, Combs finds himself back in court, facing far more serious allegations. His legal team continues to deny all claims of sex trafficking and racketeering, maintaining his innocence amid a storm of accusations and media frenzy. — nicksortor (@nicksortor) In an age where celebrity names are brands, stories, and symbols, the revelation that Puff Daddy was born from childhood rage adds an ironic twist to the saga. What once seemed like a charming anecdote about an angry boy has resurfaced in the shadow of disturbing allegations—inviting scrutiny not only of the man behind the name, but the myth that surrounded him. As the courtroom drama unfolds, so does the unraveling of a public persona built over decades. The boy who huffed and puffed his way to fame now stands in the eye of a storm that threatens to rewrite everything we thought we knew about Puff Daddy.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How did Sean 'P Diddy' Combs become Puff Daddy? The surprising story uncovered amid his trial
Amid Sean 'P Diddy' Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial, fans are revisiting the surprising origin of his famous nickname, Puff Daddy. The name stems from his childhood habit of 'huffing and puffing' when angry. Once a symbol of his rise in hip-hop, the nickname now gains a darker resonance as Combs faces serious legal challenges. Sean Combs, famously known as Puff Daddy, earned his nickname from a childhood temper habit of 'huffing and puffing.' As his high-profile sex trafficking trial continues, the origin of the name resurfaces with new significance. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Boy Who Huffed and Puffed Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads From Boardrooms to Courtrooms In the swirl of headlines surrounding the ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial of hip-hop tycoon Sean Combs , better known as P Diddy , a curious revelation has reemerged from the depths of pop culture memory: the eerie, almost poetic story behind his original stage name—Puff Combs faces intense scrutiny at a New York City courthouse, where the trial is now in its fourth week, online sleuths and fans are digging into the rapper's past, not just his legal one. And in the process, many are only now discovering the odd childhood trait that inspired the name that first catapulted him into the to The Mirror, long before he was a chart-topping mogul, a record label founder, or the face of luxury hip-hop, young Sean Combs was just a kid with a temper. He once admitted that the nickname 'Puff' was given to him because, as a child, he would 'huff and puff' whenever he got harmless nickname eventually grew into 'Puff Daddy,' a persona that would go on to define the sound and swagger of '90s hip-hop. It was under that name that he released Can't Nobody Hold Me Down in 1997—a debut single that rocketed to number one and introduced the world to his sharp beats, unapologetic bravado, and uncanny ability to create today, as allegations of a very different kind circulate, the origin of that name—once a fun footnote in a rags-to-riches story—feels strangely Combs has gone by many names over the decades—P. Diddy, Diddy, even briefly just Sean—Puff Daddy remains the most iconic, a symbol of his rise in both music and pop culture. He founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, a label that would launch the careers of legends like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase, securing Combs' place in music in 2001, he traded Puff Daddy for P. Diddy , saying at the time he 'wanted something fresh.' That rebrand came on the heels of his own courtroom victory, having been found not guilty on charges of gun possession and over two decades later, Combs finds himself back in court, facing far more serious allegations. His legal team continues to deny all claims of sex trafficking and racketeering, maintaining his innocence amid a storm of accusations and media an age where celebrity names are brands, stories, and symbols, the revelation that Puff Daddy was born from childhood rage adds an ironic twist to the saga. What once seemed like a charming anecdote about an angry boy has resurfaced in the shadow of disturbing allegations—inviting scrutiny not only of the man behind the name, but the myth that surrounded the courtroom drama unfolds, so does the unraveling of a public persona built over decades. The boy who huffed and puffed his way to fame now stands in the eye of a storm that threatens to rewrite everything we thought we knew about Puff Daddy.