Janice Combs, mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs, has spoken out following the release of a Netflix documentary produced by rapper 50 Cent.
Janice Combs Addresses Documentary Claims
In a statement to Deadline on December 6, 2025, Janice Combs, aged 85, criticized the Netflix series Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which premiered on December 2, 2025. She claimed the documentary contained falsehoods about her son’s upbringing and family life, intended to mislead viewers and damage their reputation.
Janice, who was present throughout her son’s two-month trial earlier in the year, accused Netflix of sensationalizing the content to boost the series. Diddy was arrested in September 2024 on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related offenses. He was found guilty of two counts related to prostitution but acquitted of the other charges. He is currently serving a 50-month sentence and maintains his innocence.
Disputed Allegations
Janice refuted claims made by Kirk Burrows in the documentary, stating that her son did not slap her during a conversation following the tragic events at City College on December 28, 1991. She described it as a profoundly sad day.
The documentary also revisited the deadly basketball game at City College, promoted by Diddy, which resulted in nine deaths and 30 injuries. Janice criticized the use of this tragedy in the series as a means to advance false narratives.
Us Weekly has contacted Netflix and 50 Cent’s representatives for comments.
Historical Context
On December 28, 1991, a charity basketball game at City College in New York City, promoted by Diddy, ended in tragedy when nine people were crushed as fans attempted to crash the gates. Despite the chaos, some attendees continued to seek autographs from rappers present at the event.
The Netflix docuseries, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, began streaming on December 2. Produced by 50 Cent, it chronicles Diddy’s music industry rise and includes interviews with his childhood friends, former associates, and employees.
50 Cent expressed his commitment to authentic storytelling through G-Unit Film and Television, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the project. Directed by Alexandria Stapleton, the series aims to present an important narrative.
Legal Disputes
On December 1, Diddy and his legal team issued a cease and desist letter to Netflix, labeling the docuseries a “hit piece.” They argued that Netflix misappropriated footage Diddy had been collecting since age 19 for his own narrative.
Diddy’s team criticized Netflix for collaborating with 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, whom they described as having a personal vendetta against Diddy.
Diddy and his mother, Janice Smalls Combs, have shared a close relationship throughout his life.
A Netflix spokesperson responded to the accusations, stating that the descriptions of the docuseries were inaccurate. They clarified that the footage was legally obtained and that 50 Cent did not have creative control.
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