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The new Netflix documentary allegedly uses "stolen footage".
(Image credit: Netflix)
- New P Diddy documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning is now on Netflix, produced by Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson
- Combs' lawyers accuse Netflix of "using stolen footage"
- The streamer has reportedly been sent a cease-and-desist, according to CNN
If you want to stream new Diddy documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning on Netflix, you're best off doing it as soon as possible. According to CNN, lawyers of the rapper and record producer have sent Netflix a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the streamer of "using stolen footage".
The statement provided by a spokesperson to CNN claims the new documentary uses “stolen footage that was never authorized for release” and is a “shameful hit piece”.
This relates to the footage seen in the documentary's teaser trailer (which you can watch below), filmed six days before Combs' arrest for charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution in September 2024.
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Nonetheless, you'll already find Sean Combs: The Reckoning at the top of your Netflix profiles this morning (December 2). The miniseries explores the sexual misconduct allegations against the rapper.
However, that doesn't mean the documentary, produced by longstanding rival Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, is necessarily out of the woods yet.
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Netflix - Standard with ads US$6.99/mthViewat NetflixNetflix - Standard US$15.49/mthViewat NetflixNetflix - Premium US$22.99/mthViewat NetflixDiddy legal action could escalate as Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning is released
Sean Combs: The Reckoning | Official Teaser | Netflix - YouTube
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If the initial legal reaction to Sean Combs: The Reckoning is anything to go by, issues between Netflix and the rapper aren't going to go away. In fact, it's completely possible that the documentary could disappear in the future.
We only need to look at what happened with Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd's global hit series, to see how Netflix can legally lose out with their content. Real-life inspiration Fiona Harvey sued the streamer for $170 million in an defamation case in 2024 for stating the series was "based on a true story". Netflix failed to have the case thrown out in hearings.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.In this instance, allegations are still being understood. As public relations spokesperson Juda Engelmayer told CNN about the footage: “Sean was making his own documentary since he was 19 years old. This footage was commissioned as part of it.
"We will see it tonight. Neither Netflix, nor Mr. Jackson were kind enough to offer us a screener," Engelmayer said on December 1, meaning fresh comments could be made now the miniseries has dropped.
Director Alexandra Stapleton responded: "It came to us, we obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights. We moved heaven and earth to keep the filmmaker’s identity confidential. One thing about Sean Combs is that he’s always filming himself, and it’s been an obsession throughout the decades.
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"We also reached out to Sean Combs’ legal team for an interview and comment multiple times, but did not hear back.”
Combs' cease-and-desist letter, released on December 1, says: "As you are undoubtedly aware, Mr. Combs has not hesitated to take legal action against media entities and others who violate his rights, and he will not hesitate to do so against Netflix."
The rapper is currently serving a four month and two year prison sentence in New Jersey, and is set for release in May 2028. Netflix itself has made no official comment on the allegations.
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Jasmine ValentineSocial Links NavigationStreaming Staff WriterJasmine is a Streaming Staff Writer for TechRadar, previously writing for outlets including Radio Times, Yahoo! and Stylist. She specialises in comfort TV shows and movies, ranging from Hallmark's latest tearjerker to Netflix's Virgin River. She's also the person who wrote an obituary for George Cooper Sr. during Young Sheldon Season 7 and still can't watch the funeral episode.
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