Sean Diddy Combs‘ former bodyguard Gene Deal asserted that the controversial actions of the hip-hop mogul were shaped by influential music figures such as Russell Simmons, Andre Harrell, and Clive Davis. These remarks emerged following Combs’ arrest on September 16, 2024, in New York, facing serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
During an interview on The Art of Dialogue, Gene Deal stated that Sean Combs was heavily influenced by these pioneering figures in hip-hop, emphasizing that Russell Simmons had the most significant effect on his conduct. Notably, Combs interned at Uptown Records under Andre Harrell in the 1990s.
Deal remarked:
“You gotta realize, he learned from Andre Harrell. He learned from Russell Simmons. He learned from Clive Davis. When those people are telling you that they were heavy into the drugs. They was heavy into beating women, and doing things at that crazy stage. That’s gonna make him think that he can get away with the same thing.”
Gene Deal further indicated that he observed Diddy’s change in behavior while associated with Russell Simmons, adding:
“I’m not gonna say alleged cause I saw that for my own self. It can make [a] man into a monster and that’s what it did.”
The downfall of Sean Diddy Combs began in November 2023, when his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual abuse, rape, and physical assault. Although Ventura later settled the lawsuit, multiple other women have filed lawsuits against Diddy, alleging sexual assault.
In a parallel to Combs’ issues, his mentor Russell Simmons has also faced allegations of sexual assault and rape since 2017, which he denied in 2018.
Russell Simmons Extended His Support to Diddy Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations
In May 2024, Russell Simmons publicly stood by Diddy during a live segment on Instagram. Simmons’ support followed a disturbing revelation by CNN that showcased past footage of Diddy allegedly abusing Ventura.
During his live video, Simmons defended Combs and requested that people refrain from taking pleasure in others’ downfalls, stating:
“When you tear someone down or you watch someone tear someone down, try not to get so excited. I know it’s fun to watch for some people. If I had a nickel for every nasty meme sent to me by people whose lives were enhanced and built by Sean Combs – it’s like, it seems a bit hypocritical since the only reason you have a life is [because] you worked for him, or he gave you a job or lifted you up somehow.”
Simmons elaborated:
“Watching our brothers fall is hurtful. Having everybody get together and laugh at our brother’s fall or supporting the tearing down of our brothers is tough. You may think it’s entertaining. Some of the memes are funny, right? But we need to look up, train our mind to see the good in things and not the negative.”
In addition to the grave accusations from Cassie Ventura, Diddy has been confronted with similar claims from several other women, including Joi Dickerson-Neal, producer Rodney Jones, model Crystal McKinney, and music personality Dawn Richards, who have alleged sexual misconduct and harassment.
While he has yet to face charges for sexual harassment, Diddy is undergoing a trial for his alleged involvement in sex trafficking. His requests for bail have been denied, and he is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre.
Kimora Lee Simmons, Russell Simmons’ Ex-Wife, Alleges Diddy Threatened Her During Pregnancy
In a 2004 interview with New York Magazine, Kimora Lee Simmons, ex-wife of Russell Simmons, claimed that Diddy once threatened to hit her while she was pregnant. Her statements gained renewed attention in light of Sean Combs’ current legal battles.
The article noted that Simmons “said something to Combs”that prompted the rapper to “threaten to hit her.”Kimora Lee Simmons recounted:
“I was pregnant! The moron!”
According to the article, “Combs eventually got down on his knees in public to apologize”to Kimora Lee Simmons at that time. She clarified her perspective during the interview, stating:
“I respect him for being a fierce entrepreneur, and I appreciate knowing that everything he does is emulating my husband [Russell Simmons].”
Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons were married in 1998 and separated in 2009, sharing two daughters together.
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