What Convicting Diddy Would Mean to Black Women and Victims of Abuse

Sean "Diddy" Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs' attorney, Anthony Ricco, has filed a motion to step down as legal representation for the defamed mogul. Ricco omitted an affidavit or proof in a Southern District of New York file explaining why he would not be able to "effectively serve" other than a brief remark declaring he would not be able to.

Ricco points out that his absence from representing Combs would not postpone the trial date—which is set for May. Five other lawyers, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, among others, would still be representing Combs. 

Since Diddy was sued by songstress and victim Cassie Ventura, there has been a domino effect of lawsuits against him. He has been indicted for sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. Countless victims' rape stories and sexual assaults have been detailed in a mountain of lawsuits, including some notable names. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of life. 

Last year, Diddy released an apology following the release of hotel footage showing him physically assaulting then "girlfriend" Cassie Ventura. This apology only came after he denied further allegations against him following Ventura's lengthy lawsuit. He immediately backpedaled on promises to clear his name when he could no longer deny the evidence against him. 

Since then, over 40 lawsuits have been filed against him, with over 100 alleged victims seeking legal representation, and no telling how many more. With an industry giant like Diddy, who is arguably more influential than R. Kelly was, the sinister nature of his alleged crimes is disturbing. What do decades of unchecked abuse say about the music industry, and what would his conviction mean for countless victims?

It is no secret that the music industry coddles, enables, and rewards abusive behavior, specifically against women. No one gets away with years of criminal behavior unnoticed. The ability to become R. Kelly or Diddy is simple; everyone around you must look the other way or aid in the abuse. Several incidents detailed in the lawsuits recalled witnesses and even named a few famous faces.

What the world has learned is Diddy is more than the con man who stole royalties from artists he signed and the careers he shortened. The allegations have labeled him as a pedophile, rapist, sex trafficker, violent terrorist, and an all-around liar and manipulator who spent his entire career wielding his power and influence for evil. Who cares about near-billionaire status and being considered "Black excellence" when the person built their entire empire on multiple forms of vile abuse?

Combs trial is set to begin this summer. The world will watch the man who entertained millions through his own music, artists he signed, reality television, or the movies he was in. They will watch the waning facade of an industry villain on trial. A long list of victims will watch in hopes of some form of justice. Because honestly, what is justice really when an abuser has been allowed to thrive for the past four decades unscathed? 

Black women, and typically women in general, have had to move through the music industry, often time cautiously and in silence, to maintain a career or out of fear of retaliation. That includes video vixens and fans who can receive more than they bargained for when meeting someone they idolize. Rape culture is embedded in celebrity culture, especially in the music industry as a whole and hip hop. It's the reason Diddy's erratic behavior was considered comical in reality television instead of hints of an abusive man.

Women and victims of sexual assault aren't often given the grace and empathy they deserve, especially when the accused is an industry giant. Every intention and detail is questioned without hesitation simply because of rape culture and fanatics. With so many men allowed to rise and be celebrated in the music industry in spite of their rap sheet, it's beyond time that justice weighs in favor of victims. It's beyond time that serial abusers get what they have long deserved.