Suge Knight said he was a victim of abuse before Diddy began abusing others, and named fired music executives who he believes played a role in the rapper's downfall.
In a Sept. 25 interview with News Nation from his jail cell, Knight alleged that Sean “Diddy” Combs and several other artists turned to hard drugs after signing with major record labels, continuing the cycle of substance abuse to which they were allegedly exposed.
“It's been going on in this industry for years, decades,” Knight told Chris Cuomo, “They were bringing cocaine to my artists. When they take cocaine, when they take drugs, when they take alcohol, strange things happen. I think that's what caused Puffy's death.” [Combs] “Down that road,” he insisted. According to Page 6.
.Amazing! With Diddy, a world-renowned producer, facing allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault, Knight believes it's likely that Diddy himself was a victim of sexual abuse. Chris Cuomo: https://t.co/PmZQIMPzWx pic.twitter.com/90dOa4hmwZ
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) September 25, 2024
Knight, 59, is the former CEO of Death Row Records and is currently serving a 28-year sentence for manslaughter. He claimed that rap and hip-hop music heavyweights Clive Davis, Russell Simmons and Andre Harrell “undermined” Diddy's “manliness” through drugs and alcohol, Page Six reported.
He went on to explain how the abuse allegations have been used against big stars like Diddy and have since been perpetuated.
“[Combs] “That's what I was taught. When I was a kid I saw Usher… alcohol, drugs, sex. Justin Bieber… they did these things to gain control,” Knight told Cuomo, according to the outlet.
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 5, 2014: Sean “Diddy” Combs and Justin Bieber attend the Ciroc Party at Vanquish Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia on February 5, 2014. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic) Getty Images
He claimed the forced sexual acts were carried out as a form of subjugation.
“If you choose to be gay, that's your choice, but they're doing this to people in order to control them,” Knight argued.
Knight's allegations have not been proven in court and no charges have been brought against the music industry executives he named during the interview.
According to Page Six, a spokesperson for Davis refuted these allegations and strongly denied the claims made against the producer.
“This is a completely fabricated thread being circulated by an incarcerated felon,” a rep told Page Six.
Usher and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs (Photo: KMazur/WireImage) Getty Images
“Mr. Knight's allegations regarding Clive Davis are 100% false and absolutely never happened,” the rep added to Page Six. (RELATED: Diddy Makes Bold Decision Regarding Criminal Trial)
“Clive is a mentor to artists and in line with that belief he has never condoned inappropriate behaviour of this nature,” he said.
“I think we should let Puffy tell the truth,” Knight said.
