New BBC documentary explores ‘The Rise and Fall’ of P Diddy

WARNING: This article includes accounts of abuse and sexual violence and may be distressing for some readers. Resources for support are listed at the end of this article.

The BBC has announced a new documentary P Diddy: The Rise and Fall, exploring the ascent to stardom of one of hip hop’s original moguls and the extensive criminal charges and accusations he now faces.

The documentary comes out on Monday, April 28, and will broadcast on BBC Three and iPlayer.

It’s hosted by award-winning broadcaster Yinka Bokinni and directed by Eddie Hutton-Mills, investigating the culture of hip hop which enabled Sean “Diddy” Combs to become a billionaire — and protected him from serious criminal allegations for many years.

Members of Combs’ inner circle and his biggest critics are interviewed for the documentary, with the BBC stating it “will unpack the interplay of power, money, moral corruption, and sexism, which underpins this story.”

Yinka Bokinni says: “My job is to tell stories—but never did I imagine I’d be telling this one. Investigating the alleged actions of Diddy has forced a spotlight onto the darker side of an industry so many of us dream of belonging to. We sang his songs, bought into the lifestyle, watched the shows and wanted more. This has been an emotional, sometimes difficult experience. And with a trial on the horizon, what happens next will no doubt be gripping—in the most sobering way”.

Diddy was arrested in New York City in September last year after being indicted by a federal grand jury, and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Since then more than 100 people have accused Combs of sexual misconduct, many of whom were minors at the time of the alleged offence.

Previously in 2023 he had settled a lawsuit with ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, AKA Cassie, who alleged accounts of physical abuse, rape, and sex trafficking.

Combs is currently in jail and due to face trial starting May 5. He has consistently denied the allegations against him, claiming they are "sickening" and "made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday".

He is the founder of Bad Boy Records, aided the careers of artists such as Usher, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige, and built a business empire counting alcoholic drink, fashion and fragrance brands among his enterprises.

Long-time rival 50 Cent is also producing a docu-series for Netflix on the allegations facing Diddy titled Diddy Do It?.

Watch P Diddy: The Rise and Fall via BBC from April 28 here.

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Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Editor & Digital Director, follow him on Twitter