Sean "Diddy" Combs' music catalog saw a significant boost in streams following his recent arrest and federal indictment on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
According to industry data from analytics firm Luminate, the music mogul's songs—released under names like Diddy, Puff Daddy, and P. Diddy—experienced an 18.3% rise in on-demand streams in the week of his arrest compared to the previous week.
Such increases in streaming following controversy aren't new as a similar spike was seen in R. Kelly's music streams after the release of a documentary accusing him of sexual misconduct involving women and underage girls. His numbers nearly doubled in that period.
Charges and Allegations
Combs was taken into custody on September 17, facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. The indictment, which includes allegations dating back to 2008, accuses Combs of abusing, threatening, and coercing women for years to "fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct."
The music mogul pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York City. He remains in federal custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) while awaiting trial.
Conditions at MDC Brooklyn
MDC Brooklyn, notorious for its poor conditions, currently houses Combs alongside other high-profile inmates like R. Kelly and former cryptocurrency executive Sam Bankman-Fried. The facility has a history of troubling issues—most notably, a $10 million class action settlement won by inmates after enduring frigid conditions during an eight-day blackout in 2019.
A String of Legal Troubles
This arrest adds to a series of recent lawsuits against Combs, many involving allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse, and violence. In November 2023, singer Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit accusing him of rape and abuse during their relationship. While Combs denied the accusations, they reached a settlement the following day.
Combs' legal battles and ongoing controversies have certainly drawn attention, but they also appear to have reignited interest in his extensive music catalog.
