Sean Combs’s Arrest Has the Music World Asking: Is Our #MeToo Here?

Activists and survivors are hopeful for change after the industry, which has a pervasive party culture, largely avoided the accountability that swept Hollywood and politics.

New

Listen to articles

Tap the Play button at the top of any article to hear it read aloud.

Listen to this article · 10:12 min Learn more

- Share full article

- 285

Sean Combs wears slightly tinted sunglasses and looks past the camera.

Credit...

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Ben Sisario

By Ben Sisario

Sept. 23, 2024

Leer en español

The arrest of Sean Combs last week, on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, represents a stunning reversal of fortune for the hip-hop impresario, who as recently as a year ago was feted as an industry visionary before a sudden series of sexual assault accusations.

The indictment against Mr. Combs accuses him of running a criminal enterprise centered on abusing women, and of using bribery, arson, kidnapping and threats of violence to intimidate and silence victims. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But Mr. Combs’s arrest has also stirred the hopes of activists and survivors of sexual violence that his case may finally lead to lasting change in the music industry. Though long seen as inhospitable to women, the business has largely avoided the scrutiny and accountability that swept Hollywood, politics and much of the media world at the peak of the #MeToo movement in the late 2010s.

There is no single explanation for why music dodged a similar reckoning. Some point to the industry’s decentralized power structure, its pervasive party culture and a history of deference to artists and top executives.

“Sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll, the looseness with sexuality — that is baked into the culture of the music industry,” said Caroline Heldman, a professor at Occidental College and a longtime activist. “Unfortunately, that means that rape culture is baked into it, because there aren’t mechanisms of accountability.”

Drugs, Sex, Baby Oil: The ‘Freak-Offs’ at the Core of Sean Combs’s Troubles

Sept. 22, 2024

The charges against Mr. Combs are the music world’s most high-profile criminal prosecution on sexual misconduct charges since R. Kelly, the R&B star who was trailed by allegations of abuse for decades, was sentenced in 2022 and 2023 to more than 30 years in prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking and racketeering.

Shaunna Thomas, the executive director of UltraViolet, a women’s advocacy group, pointed to the Combs case as a potential turning point and noted the string of lawsuits filed recently when states and cities temporarily lifted statutes of limitations on accusations of sexual assault. In New York and California, sexual assault cases have been filed against stars like Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses, Jermaine Jackson and the producer L.A. Reid.

“It has created an opening that we have not seen before this moment,” Ms. Thomas said.

For many women in the music industry, the peak of the #MeToo movement in 2017 and 2018, when powerful men like Harvey Weinstein, Bill O’Reilly and Eric T. Schneiderman, the former attorney general of New York, were brought down by journalistic exposés of sexual misconduct, was a lost opportunity. The music industry’s major power centers were unaffected despite some accusations against prominent artists and executives, like Russell Simmons, a founder of the Def Jam label; the singer-songwriter Ryan Adams; and the shock rocker Marilyn Manson.

The industry has long been trailed by complaints of rampant harassment and abuse, enabled by work routines that blur into late-night parties where drugs and alcohol are readily available. It remains largely controlled by men, and women say that those who complain of harassment or abuse are exiled or silenced with legal settlements that include nondisclosure agreements.

“Pretty much the entire music industry is a toxic work environment,” said Jennifer Justice, a lawyer whose résumé includes top positions at Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s company, and the festival producer Superfly.

In a 2018 survey of more than 1,200 musicians, 72 percent of female respondents said they had been discriminated against because of their sex, and 67 percent of them said they had been a victim of sexual harassment.

Image

Drew Dixon Williams sits beside a small cafe table next to large windows.

Credit...

Emily Andrews for The New York Times

Drew Dixon, who worked in music in the 1990s and 2000s but said her career was cut short after she was abused by Mr. Simmons and Mr. Reid, the producer — both of whom she has sued — said accusers faced tremendous pressure from a business designed to protect its stars at all costs.

“You’re not just going up against the person who assaulted you,” Ms. Dixon said. “You are going against everyone who benefits from their brand and revenue stream. Those forces will mobilize against any accuser. It’s daunting.”

Ms. Dixon sued Mr. Reid for sexual assault; in court papers, he has denied her allegations. In an interview with The New York Times that was published in 2017, she accused Mr. Simmons of raping her; earlier this year, she sued Mr. Simmons for defamation after he suggested in an interview that her accusation was a lie.

Others cite the legal struggles faced by the pop star Kesha, in the years immediately before #MeToo, as a discouraging example.

In 2014, Kesha accused Dr. Luke, her producer, of drugging and raping her, in a lawsuit in which she asked to be released from contracts that he controlled. Although Kesha drew support from fans and other female artists, her suit was dismissed by a judge, and she had to defend a defamation claim by Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald. The two finally settled last year, after almost a decade of litigation.

Part of what made the accusations against men like Mr. Weinstein and the Fox News chief Roger Ailes catch fire in the news media is that they were made by famous women, like Hollywood actresses and the Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson. When accusations were made in the music world — against stars like Diplo or Trey Songz — they often did not involve well-known women, and media coverage was limited.

That changed when Cassie, the R&B singer who was Mr. Combs’s longtime girlfriend, filed a bombshell suit in November accusing Mr. Combs of years of physical and sexual abuse.

The case was settled in one day, with a lawyer for Mr. Combs saying that he denied the claims. But her suit drew headlines around the world and prompted a cascade of suits by other women who also accused Mr. Combs of sexual assault and violence; some said Cassie’s case had inspired them to speak out after years of silence.

“It needed to be somebody super famous for it to hit the music industry,” said Tiffany Red, a songwriter who had worked closely with Cassie and has been a vocal critic of the industry. “When people saw Cassie do it, it was really impactful, the way it was when these famous movie stars came out about Harvey Weinstein. Then it blew open.”

Image

Cassie stands in front of a blue backdrop.

Credit...

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Cassie’s case and many others were filed under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York state law that, for one year, allowed people who believed they had been sexually abused to file a civil lawsuit even after the statute of limitations had expired.

That New York law — whose look-back window closed a week after Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, filed her suit — and a similar one in California have injected new energy into activists’ campaigns.

One of the industry’s most outspoken critics has been Dorothy Carvello, who began working at Atlantic Records in the 1980s under its founder Ahmet Ertegun, who died in 2006 but remains an industry legend.

In a memoir, “Anything for a Hit” (2018), and a lawsuit filed against Mr. Ertegun’s estate and others in late 2022, Ms. Carvello accused Mr. Ertegun of breaking her arm and of multiple instances of sexual assault, including pulling down her underwear and exposing her genitals in a crowded nightclub. The suit, and her book, describes a culture of widespread misogyny and harassment that was committed and enabled by top executives.

“It was a cult of greed and abuse at the highest level,” Ms. Carvello said in an interview.

Rick Werder, a lawyer representing Mica Ertegun, Ahmet’s widow, as the executor of his estate, called Ms. Carvello’s lawsuit “legally and factually meritless.” (Mica Ertegun died last year.)

Many of the biggest companies in music, including the major record labels, have adopted formal codes of conduct that explicitly outlaw sexual harassment. But some women in the industry say that misconduct still occurs, and that reports of it are often settled quietly through nondisclosure agreements, or NDAs — contracts that compel the parties to silence.

In theory, the secrecy afforded by those agreements should protect accusers. But Samantha Maloney, a well-traveled rock drummer who was a talent executive at what is now Warner Records, said that in practice they often end up forcing women out of the business.

“I signed an NDA,” Ms. Maloney said. “And NDAs are like the music industry’s scarlet letter — once you have an NDA, it is hard to get back into the game and work for any company.”

Image

Samantha Maloney poses in front a white backdrop for a photo.

Credit...

Chelsea Lauren/WireImage

Ms. Maloney signed her agreement in 2018, after she had accused Stephen Cooper, then the chief executive of the Warner Music Group, of propositioning her at a company Grammy party.

The company has said that Mr. Cooper had denied her accusation. But in correspondence about her case that was obtained by The Times, a lawyer for Warner Music said that an outside investigator had found that Mr. Cooper and others whom Ms. Maloney made accusations against had “behaved in a way that the company believes is inconsistent with company policy and values.”

NDAs are still used in the music industry after complaints of harassment and abuse, according to Ms. Justice, the lawyer, who said she frequently negotiated them on behalf of women.

The success of the criminal prosecution against Mr. Combs will, of course, depend on the strength of the case that prosecutors present in court. Mr. Combs’s lawyers have already indicated they will challenge the government’s accusation that the elaborate sexual events described in his case as “freak offs” were nonconsensual.

But Ms. Thomas, of UltraViolet, feels that Cassie and the other women who spoke out against Mr. Combs have already created momentum to drive long-needed changes in the music world.

“It was so overwhelming that it started conversations about needing to understand,” she said. “There was a sense that this has been swept under the rug for too long.”

Ben Sisario, a reporter covering music and the music industry, has been writing for The Times for more than 20 years. More about Ben Sisario

The comments section is closed. To submit a letter to the editor for publication, write to letters@nytimes.com.

- Reader Picks

- All

Sort by: Newest

S commented September 24

S

S

LASept. 24

If you’re famous they let you do it. Remember those words? Not just in the music or rap world, and it’s DISGUSTING and has to stop.

15 Recommend

Flag

Reader12345 commented September 24

R

Reader12345

usaSept. 24

I don't listen to gangsta rap and care very little for its purveyors. I don't see them as visionaries or wholesome or having many redeeming qualities. But, that's me. If you don't want to be treated poorly, be more discerning in the company you keep. No one is forcing anyone to attend freak offs. Walk away If Sean Combs were white? He'd already be out on bail. As much as many here are piling on and are eagerly pointing out his villainous qualities. He hasn't been convicted of a single thing yet.

3 Recommend

Flag

mikoniko commented September 23

m

mikoniko

GASept. 23

What you hate is he could not have run this operation without loyal (or frightened) employees, paying customers, willing participants and mute onlookers. Just finished the amazing essay by Danyel Smith in NYT, former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine. She recounts what she knew, what she didn't know, what she thought she might know and what she pretended not to know. But maybe worse, what she knew and blocked out and had to be told. I read this after reading an article about what Afghan men are ALLOWING the Taliban to do to their women. And this article outlines what men are allowing other men to do to our women. Yeah we can fight back but dammit, we shouldn't have to. Men.

28 Recommend

Flag

CalGal commented September 23

C

CalGal

Lakeport CASept. 23

Why no mention in this article of the hotel security video that shows Combs kicking Cassie as she lies on the floor in the middle of a corridor, and his subsequent apology for his behavior in that video? So any who were inclined to believe that Cassie was a liar looking for a payday had to shut up. As for the apology, do you remember Combs in "Monster's Ball"? He's a pretty good actor and an even better one in that apology. All of the above was all I needed to see to believe Combs is 100% guilty of the charges filed against him.

17 Recommend

Flag

dlew commented September 23

d

dlew

Rancho Mirage caSept. 23

I am in disbelief when I'm reading comments from people who think this is all on rap music. It's not. It's deeply embedded in the world of music, especially record companies. If the business wasn't enough of a cesspool, add the nda's. So many talented young women and men leave the business because it is immoral and they've just had enough. Nothing is worth selling your soul for. Nothing! I hope they bring all of these monsters to justice even if it means bringing down the music industry. It has to stop.

20 Recommend

Flag

Jason Graziadei commented September 23

J

Jason Graziadei

MassachusettsSept. 23

Cool. Does this mean Chris Brown still gets a pass or nah?

21 Recommend

Flag

lou andrews commented September 23

l

lou andrews

Portland OregonSept. 23

Long ago when i lived in NYC back in the late 1970's early 1980's, i was into the punk/New Wave scene. I attended a concert at a local club that an English punk band headlined the night. After the show my crew, some 5 dudes and 4 ladies were invited back sage to hang with the band. One of my buddies girlfriend told me later that the lead singer invited her back to his hotel. she politely declined, but she told me she was "honored" to be invited back to his hotel. I haven't forgotten this after all of these years. This is the issue here. The opportunist ,Semi-famous or famous musicians and the gullible, brainwashed/naive women(groupie or not) who think in this way. It's worse now than ever given all the big money many of these musicians have compared to some 45 years ago. How to change it? You can't. Unless of course the men and women wake up and smell the rot that surrounds them

15 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Chester commented September 23

C

Chester

BostonSept. 23

@lou andrews I think you’re onto something. I worked near the set of a movie that was passing through with Kevin Bacon in it and the female employees who were 40 years younger than Kevin Bacon were absolutely ready to go home with him if he wanted them to. Frankly, I think it’s something biological. If you’re famous you’re a success and if you’re a success you might make a good father. It’s not consciously what they are thinking but I believe they are hard wired that way and inclined to lean into these emotions.

2 Recommend

Flag

PF commented September 23

P

PF

NYSept. 23

@lou andrews This article has nothing to do with backstage groupies. It's about people who have established careers within the music industry and get blacklisted for speaking out.

19 Recommend

Flag

Mason Munoz commented September 23

M

Mason Munoz

Weston, CTSept. 23

You should watch the Australian network TV special about Sony Music AU leader Denis Handlin. It aired in June 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex57KA0_C8w The entire executive staff at Sony AU complained to corporate HQ in NY about Handlin's behavior for DECADES. The fact that NY chose to ignore the complaints caused many employees to speculate that Handlin possessed information on NY that protected him. The Union Jack still remains. Six months after the TV special aired tn OZ, leading to Denis' demise, his former boss, Chairman Sony Music Group Rob Stringer, received The Order of the British Empire (CBE) honour by Queen Elizabeth II for his Service to the Music Industry. You can't make up stuff this crazy. For the record, I am an ex Sony Music employee. I left Sony in 1994.

14 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

KDsays commented September 24

K

KDsays

Washington, DCSept. 24

@Mason Munoz thanks for sharing your perspective and the link. I will check it out!

2 Recommend

Flag

Regret commented September 23

R

Regret

CaliforniaSept. 23

This is never going to stop until we stop referring to these violent crimes as "sex crimes." They are hate crimes, every single one of them. Time to stop ignoring the hate. And even more so time to stop misleading by using a word that usually implies consent (sex). There was no sex involved. Only violence, and hate.

25 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

JustMe commented September 23

J

JustMe

CASept. 23

@Regret Treating someone as an object at your disposal and striping them of their humanity is a hate crime and should be prosecuted as a hate crime.

17 Recommend

Flag

Chester commented September 23

C

Chester

BostonSept. 23

@Regret Sorry, “hate crime” is taken

1 Recommend

Flag

Rex Craigo commented September 23

R

Rex Craigo

Charleston, West VirginiaSept. 23

He's a well known abuser. Here's hoping that he gets the punishment that he deserves for his crimes- life in prison.

19 Recommend

Flag

Lynn Lawson commented September 23

L

Lynn Lawson

Charlottesville, VASept. 23

If the allegations are proven, Combs is a criminal. No movement should be required.

12 Recommend

Flag

Tpower9 commented September 23

T

Tpower9

Los AngelesSept. 23

Jlo could write a great tell-all

10 Recommend

Flag

Lew commented September 23

L

Lew

CanadaSept. 23

So, did you all forget about Weinstein and his shenanigans? Did you ignore all the nonsense and sex that goes on in the entertainment industry? Seems like it. Should we be 'What?!' when another rich entertainer/producer/executive gets caught doing things that they should not be doing and are illegal. Come on, time for a dose of reality. Get the accused into court and lets see the evidence that the prosecutors have and then lets all exclaim 'oh no!'.

3 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

S commented September 23

S

S

LASept. 23

@Lew-shenanigans? I don’t think those are what I’d call them. In fact, I know I wouldn’t.

2 Recommend

Flag

Sean commented September 23

S

Sean

Los AngelesSept. 23

Music's #MeToo moment happened first over five years ago when Joe Coscarelli and company published a largely unsubstantiated indictment of Ryan Adams based on a few career motivations of others and the aspersions cast by unidentified folks as well. At least the Diddy #metoo moment is legitimate. This one fell into the lap of the Times. Whereas with the Ryan Adams story, there was quite a bit of grasping at straws.

2 Recommend

Flag

Chester commented September 23

C

Chester

BostonSept. 23

Does each industry need to have its own MeToo moment? It’s ironic that a few years ago we would have celebrated Sean Combs for being a successful Black man in the industry. Maybe instead of turning this into sexism or racism we just see Mr. Combs as a bad man and leave it at that.

5 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

MKG commented September 24

M

MKG

BerlinSept. 24

@Chester he most likely is a criminal, yes, but sexism, misogyny and rape-culture are the roots that enable such acts in the first place. These roots are part of a structural problem deeply embedded in patriarchy.

3 Recommend

Flag

Yann Poisson commented September 23

Y

Yann Poisson

Rhode IslandSept. 23

There are so many rock and roll abuse stories that include some of the biggest names. Jimmy page held a 14 girl captive in his basement Steven Tyler had a live in minor that he abused. Mick jagger gene simmons van halen etc. if this is the start of a meet too for rock ansd roll the list is long and goes way back!

12 Recommend

Flag

Going Placidly Amid the Noise and Haste commented September 23

G

Going Placidly Amid the Noise and Haste

Edina, MNSept. 23

I’m sorry, wasn’t R Kelly a music figure? Why is the headline making it sound like the music world hasn’t been affected by #MeToo?

7 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

PF commented September 23

P

PF

NYSept. 23

@Going Placidly Amid the Noise and Haste As someone who has directly worked in the industry, MeToo barely affected the music industry. R Kelly was the rare high profile exception.

8 Recommend

Flag

KDsays commented September 24

K

KDsays

Washington, DCSept. 24

@Going Placidly Amid the Noise and Haste I think the author is correct. I suspect a lot of people are nervous because of Combs' case, wondering what may be revealed or who might speak out about their behavior.

3 Recommend

Flag

John R. commented September 23

John R.

John R.

ArizonaSept. 23

So the feds turned the party scene into racketeering. On a positive note, over the weekend the news reported a parent caught up in the USC scandal, had his case mostly overturned to not guilty. Fed prosecutions, out of control.

2 Recommend

Flag

JJ Gross commented September 23

J

JJ Gross

JerusalemSept. 23

Where’s the surprise here?Why should one expect anything different from a culture whose lyrics have made the most disgusting values and behaviors at least theoretically normative? The real question is why the media, and the Times is hardly an exception, lionizes such savagery as “art” and provides front page coverage to such performers as if they were worthy of any serious consideration.

17 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

KDsays commented September 24

K

KDsays

Washington, DCSept. 24

@JJ Gross great point about the lyrics. It makes sense that people who passionately rap about sexual violence might hold beliefs, create environments, or engage in actions that lead to sexual violence.

3 Recommend

Flag

EMS commented September 23

E

EMS

New YorkSept. 23

Has Sean Coombs been convicted of any of the charges? I am becoming increasingly concerned about the use of the media to try cases before they actually go to trial. While I am not a fan of Mr. Coombs, I think it is premature to label his arrest and indictment as the music industry's "me too" moment. I wish we could withhold judgement until after parties are convicted. I think this type of reporting is beneath the New York Times and more suited for social media sites where engaging into speculation, hypotheses and opinion is sport, but not journalism

6 Recommend

Flag

Varinder commented September 23

V

Varinder

Hopewell Junction, NYSept. 23

Time to face the music!

2 Recommend

Flag

Leah commented September 23

L

Leah

Los AngelesSept. 23

The Grateful Dead family recently and permanently threw out a vendor who was harassing women. They made a statement that predatory behavior will not be tolerated. Deadheads tend to be very nice people, but it’s good to know they will not tolerate abuse of the women folk.

13 Recommend

Flag

Ricky commented September 23

Ricky

Ricky

Brockton, MASept. 23

Probably not. We haven't learned much about who participated in Epstein's sex rings and clearly that info is readily available. While Trump promises to release the files I'm not holding my breath. Bill Gates and Bill Clinton have a lot of power and influence even in their old age.

4 Recommend

Flag

JustMe commented September 23

J

JustMe

CASept. 23

Perhaps, if Combs gets off, he should consider moving to a country where what he practices is legal -- there are plenty out there to choose from. He could have multiple partners and as long as he married them, could legally beat and rape them as well as control their bodily movement. If one of them decided to press charges against him, her testimony would only be worth half that of his. Under Sharia practicing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Iran, the legal system would support him and back him up in treating women like objects at his disposal. Misogyny is everywhere, legally different in every country, but really, just different degrees and variations.

5 Recommend

Flag

HOUDINI commented September 23

HOUDINI

HOUDINI

New YorkSept. 23

It may sound unfeeling for me to unequivocally state: it's about (expletive deleted) time. He stopped the elevator between floors, pulling the emergency stop between floors. A small metal box suspended, no camera in 1978. He threw me up agains the wall, put his arm up against my throat and stuck his hand down my pants and squeezed saying "If I kidnapped you right now, who'd know?" I was 17. I gasped, "My mother and girlfriend." He released his grip. "You'll find out how it works." Before I left the cab he grabbed my arm saying "Don't let on about this." 100% true. He's dead and I hope it hurt.

4 Recommend

Flag

Mike Mead commented September 23

M

Mike Mead

HawaiiSept. 23

So you’re saying that the genre of music that uses racist and homophobic slurs, portrays women either twerking in the club or writhing around on exotic cars, goes on and on about Glocks and Uzis, idolizes Scarface, and memorializes all the artists killed in industry disputes has some issues with the mistreatment of women?

23 Recommend

Flag

Alex commented September 23

A

Alex

New YorkSept. 23

I agree that many classic rock artists wrote grotesque, even misogynistic lyrics (see Stray Cat Blues by The Rolling Stones, if you don’t believe me), and that some of their off (and on) stage behavior was reprehensible, to put it mildly… That being said, I think rap / hip-hop lyrics (and music videos) are, on average, FAR more graphic and openly offensive than classic rock music and lyrics.

8 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Gus commented September 23

G

Gus

LincolnSept. 23

@Alex Stray cat blues-like lyrics were glamorized at the time by media and audiences. It is surprising how fragile the collective memory is.

3 Recommend

Flag

Tpower9 commented September 23

T

Tpower9

Los AngelesSept. 23

Don’t understand how NDAs are legal?? And if you are a low level employee, how can a huge money judgement be enforced?

7 Recommend

Flag

I.M. DUNNE commented September 23

I

I.M. DUNNE

New YorkSept. 23

Music inspires bad behavior.? Sounds rather dystopian. How about bad guys doing bad things. That I can believe.

18 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

KDsays commented September 24

K

KDsays

Washington, DCSept. 24

@I.M. DUNNE yes, music affects consciousness. When I go to the spa and when I meditate, I listen to soothing music because it affects one's emotional and mental state. Likewise, rap music, like any other music has an impact, which of course varies significantly from person to person. And yes, people choose to do bad things.

2 Recommend

Flag

Richard commented September 23

R

Richard

NashvilleSept. 23

A very ugly story and even uglier premise that these men (and the executives) can get away with crimes via NDAs. Sexual exploitation should have no place in any work environment. I'd like to think this is mainly an LA problem, that it doesn't occur so much here in Music City, but that would be myopic, wouldn't it. As for the drugs that go along with this atmosphere, they have cut short far too many lives in the music business, and that comment is not genre-specific.

7 Recommend

Flag

Kelly commented September 23

K

Kelly

MarylandSept. 23

A lot of comments and the article itself addresses the culture of music and how it clearly favors the powerful, the men. I am a bit surprised, then, that Megan Thee Stallion trial wasn't mentioned. The artist was shot and very, very few male artists came out in support of her. She was asked, "What do you expect, working the (rap) music world?" As if getting shot is acceptable. Comments and pieces against her were so misogynistic. Unreal. And the same story continues here. What did these women expect? What did they think they were getting themselves into? They should have just left. Same story, unfortunately. Consenting adults should be free to explore kinks and their sexuality however they see fit - assuming it is safe, consent is freely given, and it is free of bribery/bullying. I'll leave it up to the courts to settle this one. But the music industry can right its own ship without the courts. I won't hold my breath.

23 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Ricky commented September 23

Ricky

Ricky

Brockton, MASept. 23

@Kelly I'm certain Lil Rod did not want to be sexually abused by Cuba Gooding Jr as part of grooming routine for Puff. And I can't imagine he knew what he was getting into.

7 Recommend

Flag

Valerie commented September 23

V

Valerie

NevadaSept. 23

The only reason Combs was going to turn himself in, was that he felt confident his extreme wealth would protect him. And to be honest - it did protect him for a very long time. Now that Combs is exposed, it will be quite interesting to see what other famous celebrities participated in Combs freek-off parties. What we do know, is that participants were captured on film (thanks to Combs) and that the FBI has that footage in their possession. I hope the FBI releases their names so they can't continue to hide who they really are.

39 Recommend

Flag

KP commented September 23

K

KP

ColoradoSept. 23

The extreme examples of malignant narcissism and misogyny are so rampant these days it makes me physically ill. I am a victim of domestic violence and coercive control and the terror I felt being in the presence of my abuser was so extreme that I could barely function. I am in awe of the victims who have spoken out and who are fighting back through legal means against these disgustingly powerful men.

58 Recommend

Flag

bill thompson commented September 23

b

bill thompson

NYSept. 23

Ha ha. The MSM has been complicit with ignoring the misogyny of music and film industries; and now they're starting to wake up? This is why so many prefer to listen to twitter and other direct channels of communications.

13 Recommend

Flag

Bluelotus commented September 23

B

Bluelotus

LASept. 23

There ought to be less focus on the lyrics of one genre of music and much more focus on the layers of self-protective interests that blanket the entire music industry. Mainstream rap culture is gross, but it doesn’t have a monopoly on this behavior: the exploitative world of rock and roll predates it. The modern music industry predates it. And it was that same already existing music industry that created and marketed current rap culture. I don’t follow the rap world closely. But I heard all about Diddy’s behavior, and specifically about his “freak offs,” over 15 years ago. Until now, I never saw one word about it in major media. You could go online and read things, often just rumors, about the truth of Diddy’s legendary parties. You could find photos of him partying with everyone who was anyone: the list goes on and on. No one questioned any of them about any of it. They are rich and powerful, and the media protects them all. Then we get the puff pieces and the serious-minded reviews of shiny trash to wash their dirty laundry. Media like NYT is one layer of this apparatus. Let’s be clear: you, the respectable NYT, are guilty too. You’re guilty every time you feed the worship of these people for clicks, every time you put another brick into the edifice of their brands. You’re guilty when you build them up and tear them down for money. This is way bigger than misogynistic lyrics. Those lyrics are symptoms. The capitalist media machine is the vector for the disease.

32 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

@Bluelotus Nothing like the truth.

6 Recommend

Flag

Vik commented September 23

V

Vik

planet earthSept. 23

All abusers need to be called out and held accountable.

21 Recommend

Flag

Mark Holthaus commented September 23

M

Mark Holthaus

Rocky River, OhioSept. 23

The election has sucked the oxygen out of celebrity reality news and this story is rushing to fill the vacuum. There already is an online explosion of stuff that I don’t think celebrity news revealed before. A lot of surprising faces, too. The long investigation and everything starting to come out may help explain why some familiar faces are so long. They know what’s coming: revelations of a succession of bombshells over the years which somehow the “press” tiptoed by with hardly noticing.

3 Recommend

Flag

Bob G. commented September 23

B

Bob G.

San FranciscoSept. 23

The culture of rap is specifically misogynistic, so not too surprising that Combs was indicted. But many powerful men have always felt they deserve to have sex with whoever they want. I think that mindset is changing because of powerful men finally being called to account. Nothing facilitates change like the fear of losing your money, reputation and freedom.

24 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Shanie commented September 23

S

Shanie

Los AngelesSept. 23

@Bob G. Exactly. I am sick and tired of the glorification of misogyny and violence that pervades rap music and rap culture. I think the main reason why it was allowed to continue this long and why it didn’t have its own #MeToo movement was that any criticism of a rapper would have been considered racist.

7 Recommend

Flag

jimerson commented September 23

jimerson

jimerson

SeattleSept. 23

"... running a criminal enterprise centered on abusing women, and of using bribery, arson, kidnapping and threats of violence to intimidate and silence victims." Combs is rightly being detained in custody pending trial. Yet Donald Trump, culpable for some of the same crimes as Combs, is free on his own recognizance. As U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled in August, 2023, "the jury’s verdict in [E. Jean] Carroll II establishes, as against Mr. Trump, the fact that Mr. Trump 'raped' her, albeit digitally rather than with his penis. Thus, it establishes against him the substantial truth of Ms. Carroll’s 'rape' accusations." Let's talk some more about double standards and our "two-tiered justice system." And Combs is arguably a more financially successful businessman than Trump is.

22 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

@jimerson This really has nothing to do with Donald Trump. Let this one go....

3 Recommend

Flag

cdisf commented September 23

c

cdisf

SFSept. 23

Had anyone seriously questioned Diddy’s alleged conduct prior to these charges being leveled against him, the word “racism” would have been all over this commentariat. This country needs to stop shielding men of all races from criticism of violent crime against women, period.

26 Recommend

Flag

Marc commented September 23

M

Marc

MiamiSept. 23

The music industry's Me Too moment started with R. Kelly, not Combs.

13 Recommend

Flag

Charlotte commented September 23

C

Charlotte

Near Valley Forge, PaSept. 23

Amber Heard's false accusations effectively undermined the #metoo movement. Unsubstantiated claims have always made me uneasy, as I have experienced being wrongly accused and punished in the past. Once someone unscrupulous realizes they have that kind of power, as demonstrated by Ms. Heard's inconsistent testimony, there is no limit to the lengths they will go to in order to wield it. 😎

2 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Kate Lowe commented September 23

K

Kate Lowe

Coatesville, PASept. 23

@Charlotte Heard’s accusations were likely true, not false, actually.

6 Recommend

Flag

RCS commented September 23

R

RCS

Princeton JunctionSept. 23

I have only one comment: Combs’s behavior and sordid escapades are absolutely primitive, despicable, chauvinistic and misogynistic - Ne Plus Ultra of disrespect and inhuman objectification of women Combs should be subjected to ultimate legal action in accordance with our jurisprudence I applaud the Judge’s decision to deny him bail ! Schadenfreude

20 Recommend

Flag

Tom commented September 23

T

Tom

BrooklynSept. 23

I find the complete silence by this reporter on the subject of the alleged victimization of young men and boys in the Combs case very curious. Why would it be swept from this coverage entirely, if not to curate a clear Me Too narrative and avoid some very ugly realities. The realities I refer to are not just the alleged abuse itself, but the wildfire of homophobia I have witnessed in the last week online. Me Too may be your headline here, but what is driving excitement (yes, excitement) around the story is the disgusting myth that gay men are natural predators and groomers and that the lid is about to be torn off of their charade. I find that to be a story worth covering too.

14 Recommend

Flag

B commented September 23

B

B

AnywhereSept. 23

The music world has been grappling with #MeToo for years at this point—see, for instance, Anne Midgette's 2018 Washington Post article about harassment in the classical music profession.

4 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Shanie commented September 23

S

Shanie

Los AngelesSept. 23

@B Maybe there was sexual harassment in the classical music profession, but I’ve never heard of racketeering, sexual trafficking, or women getting drugged in the classical music world.

3 Recommend

Flag

Reader12345 commented September 23

R

Reader12345

usaSept. 23

@Shanie So, do the past allegations against Placido Domingo count as classical? Or would you create a unique category for opera fans? Just asking.

1 Recommend

Flag

Larry D commented September 23

Larry D

Larry D

New York CitySept. 23

"Once you're famous you can grab em by the..." Whom was jailed for that? No-one...elected President instead.

28 Recommend

Flag

Jane commented September 23

J

Jane

WASept. 23

Everyone on the payroll signs an NDA. Every musician, assistant, roadie and cook. All those people know who the predators are, and their NDAs make it easy for them to say, “yeah I hear that stuff but I never saw anything.”

5 Recommend

Flag

L osservatore commented September 23

L

L osservatore

In fair Verona, where we lay our sceneSept. 23

Surely there are lots of videos created during the Roman orgy scene this man chose to live behind locked doors. Modern life works to record its moral nadirs and social collapses.

3 Recommend

Flag

Zenga Mambu commented September 23

Zenga Mambu

Zenga Mambu

People’s Republic Of CaliforniaSept. 23

It's sad to see just how far Rap music has fallen. I grew up in the eighties and nineties listening to artists such as Run-DMC, Whodini, The Fat Boys, Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Kid N Play, LL Cool J, Heavy D, and MC Hammer. These artists were about making songs that would make you want to dance and try to forget your problems. Some of these rappers, like LL Cool J, Heavy D, and Big Daddy Kane even wrote love songs that challenged young men to properly treat and respect young ladies. Even a rapper named Father MC had a top 10 radio hit single called "Treat 'em (women) like they want to be treated (you should treat them right)." Everything started going down hill once record companies started favoring ignorant gangsta rap over party and conscious rap. Today, I prefer to listen to jazz.

16 Recommend

Flag

V commented September 23

V

V

MASept. 23

I don't think this problem is so much endemic in the "music industry" as much as the "Hip-Hop" world where this behavior is the currency of the content and brand. The "music world" is a very big tent, encompassing classical, jazz, latin, rock & roll, country, blues and countless other genres. Why cast such a wide net for such a specific, clearly identifiable situation and participants?

24 Recommend

Flag

9 Replies

Buckley Kaufman commented September 23

B

Buckley Kaufman

CaliforniaSept. 23

@V How certain are you that this same pattern of coercion and abuse isn't just as easy to find within the music industry as a whole? I would suspect that there are cases of abuse and coercion in every genre of entertainment and art, and that in certain cases, it's easier for the public to accept that this has happened than in others.

23 Recommend

Flag

NorCal Girl commented September 23

N

NorCal Girl

Oakland, CASept. 23

@V There's plenty of information published about abuse and abusers in classical music.

12 Recommend

Flag

Lesley commented September 23

L

Lesley

MassachusettsSept. 23

@V You are absolutely correct. The NYT is treading lightly rather than calling out the many rap artists who are incredibly misogynistic.

6 Recommend

Flag

Kirk Redburne commented September 23

K

Kirk Redburne

BrooklynSept. 23

@V I wasn't aware Marilyn Manson and Led Zeppelin were hip-hop artists.

2 Recommend

Flag

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

@Buckley Kaufman I guess you're thinking James Taylor fixed a whole lot of broken hearts.

Recommend

Flag

Jim ODonnell commented September 23

J

Jim ODonnell

MiamiSept. 23

@V I think there are enough allegations of abusive behavior in other parts of the music business that the question applies to the whole show, rather than to just one segment. There are questions and stories about Phil Spector, Jimmy Page, and Stephen Tyler doing stuff before rap or hip-hop even emerged. I bet there are stories we never hear about the same stuff occurring in opera or Broadway.

5 Recommend

Flag

Yvonne C commented September 23

Y

Yvonne C

ILSept. 23

@V As a survivor of both the music industry and a sexual assault by a beloved member of a universally adored alt-rock act, I disagree.

3 Recommend

Flag

Shanie commented September 23

S

Shanie

Los AngelesSept. 23

@V . I agree. I am sick and tired of the glorification of misogyny and violence that has pervaded rap music and rap culture. Rap doesn’t have a monopoly on sexual harassment, but these allegations involve another level of depravity. I think the main reason why this kind of behavior was allowed to continue for this long in rap and why rap didn’t have its own #MeToo movement was that any criticism of a rapper would have been considered racist.

3 Recommend

Flag

Lucine commented September 23

L

Lucine

way out westSept. 23

@V Because singling out rap and hip-hop artists is seen through the lens of racial bias, say what you will. I still remember meeting a woman who was a French horn player of some note and she talked about the alcohol and drug use in the classical music industry. It's all about checking your biases/being aware of them. That's all.

1 Recommend

Flag

lou andrews commented September 23

l

lou andrews

Portland OregonSept. 23

The answer to that question is, "No". It's part of the system, the game, the industry. It always was and always will be. As long as there are female "groupies", sexual contact between the musical stars, roadies, managers, other musicians, the higher ups in the record industry and women followers you're going to have this happen. As one famous , rock n roll musician once said decades ago: "Why do you think we became rock n roll musicians in the first place?"

9 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

@lou andrews Don't most games have rules?

6 Recommend

Flag

GPC commented September 23

G

GPC

Los AngelesSept. 23

@lou andrews Are you seriously blaming groupies for sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape? In order for something to be consensual, there needs to be consent.

3 Recommend

Flag

lou andrews commented September 23

l

lou andrews

Portland OregonSept. 23

@Carl Bumba - yeah there are. It's called "power , money, fame, bragging rights" rules. Men with their attained power money and bragging rights'. Women: obtaining their money , power and bragging to their friends about it.

1 Recommend

Flag

Whats The Frequency Ken? commented September 23

W

Whats The Frequency Ken?

AtlantisSept. 23

The music videos and lyrics of most Rap/Hip Hop songs make a strong case. To each his or her own seems like the right axiom to live by these days when consenting adults are involved and no one is hurt. But a lack of respect, misogyny and sexual objectification are everywhere in much of today’s music.

10 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

A commented September 23

A

A

VirginiaSept. 23

@Whats The Frequency Ken? In much of today’s music? Recall the lyrics to the Stones’ “Under my thumb” or the Beatles’ “Run for your life.” Or gross Jerry Garcia singing “we can share the women and we can share the wine.” The list goes on and on.

6 Recommend

Flag

Dan commented September 23

D

Dan

Cape CodSept. 23

The continued profitability of people like Chris Brown and R. Kelley have shown that music studios are just not as accountable as television and movie studios are. People are simply less aware of record labels and never seem to successfully boycott them or hold them accountable for representing terrible people. Music streaming platforms are also loathe to take down any popular streaming artist, which makes getting banned from Apple music or Spotify a lot rarer than getting blacklisted anywhere else.

13 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

theGrossman commented September 23

theGrossman

theGrossman

BrooklynSept. 23

@Dan Don't forget Michael Jackson. Or as Chris Rock says, "We don't listen to R. Kelly but still play Michael Jackson. Because Micheal has better music."

9 Recommend

Flag

Floyd commented September 23

F

Floyd

Chico, CASept. 23

@theGrossman We still listen to Chuck Berry

1 Recommend

Flag

Roger commented September 23

R

Roger

NYSept. 23

Don't think this is a "me too" movement at all. Just look at the silence on this case and compare it to the 24/7 media push when the first "me too" happened. This will be kept mostly out of the press, no names will be named, and it will all slide into the memory hole.

8 Recommend

Flag

REBCO commented September 23

R

REBCO

FORT LAUDERDALE FLSept. 23

Yes, but Mr. Combs has millions for lawyers like Trump does but does not have the politics to give him a pass a pardon from Trump is his best bet to send that legal money to Trump.

Recommend

Flag

Lil Marco commented September 23

L

Lil Marco

Deep In The Heart of Texas!Sept. 23

The comments on this article are absolutely demoralizing. I understand completely why we have these problems. Misogyny and glorification of fame, wealth and power are the air we breathe.

45 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

theGrossman commented September 23

theGrossman

theGrossman

BrooklynSept. 23

@Lil Marco - I used to do security for music venues as well as working security at Studio 54. The stories I heard and have witnessed of underaged girls and what people are willing to do to be near fame and the famous.

6 Recommend

Flag

Valerie commented September 23

V

Valerie

NevadaSept. 23

@theGrossman If the girls are underage, they cannot legally consent, therefore any adult males involved in activities with underage girls are criminally liable for their actions. I'd say they were also morally liable, but any man willing to abuse an underage female (or any female) has no moral compass, so we'll stick with legally liable. And if anyone witnesses a crime being committed against a child and doesn't speak up, they are no better than the abuser as they are enabling the crime.

20 Recommend

Flag

GPC commented September 23

G

GPC

Los AngelesSept. 23

@theGrossman These are not stories of consensual encounters. They are stories of sexual and physical assault and of rape. The entire point here is that these women (and girls) were *unwilling*.

6 Recommend

Flag

Bill commented September 23

B

Bill

GlobalSept. 23

Having worked in the Federal justice system for several decades, I can tell you with absolutely certainty that RICO cases are overwhelmingly convincing to juries. They are exhaustively investigated and researched. They document hundreds of "overt acts" committed in furtherance of the crimes alleged with countless witnesses to testify on behalf of each act presented by the government. Mr. Combs, the Federal Bureau of Prisons hopes you like your new accommodations, spacious with your own bed and bathroom facilities, because you're going to be here for a an extended period of time.

61 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Sean commented September 23

S

Sean

DetroitSept. 23

@Bill It’s unsurprising that throwing a ton of circumstantial “evidence” chosen to specifically humiliate and paint the defendant in a grotesque light is effective with juries from a country that locks up more people than any place in the world. Thirty years ago you guys would have talked about a defendant’s cross-dressing or liaisons with men, today it’s baby oil and dildos.

2 Recommend

Flag

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

IMO, this particular subculture of the music industry and of our society has gone too long and too far without oversight based on civil and moral norms within our society. Since this is obvious to nearly every one outside this subculture it's probably past time for corrective measures. Disruptive social and political reactions and over-reactions will otherwise follow (which might include the MAGA movement.) It's unfortunate in America that indirect corrective measures, i.e. "checks and balances", which this legal case seems to represent, are often left to our judicial system to perform, which is often slow, inefficienct and profoundly expensive to taxpayers and consumers. IMO, American liberals, in particular, should consider whether excessive social tolerance has been given to a subculture immersed in "gangster rap". While the music is an understandable reaction to poor social conditions, it promotes a distinct and extreme subculture socially undesirable enough to consolidate a broad opposition into a subculture of its own. Subculture "warfare" within a society is rarely beneficial to it.

17 Recommend

Flag

6 Replies

imcrary commented September 23

i

imcrary

LASept. 23

@Carl Bumba the misogyny and abuse in the music industry is definitely not confined to one genre of music. Pearl-clutchers said the same about rock music in the mid-century. It's not the music, it's the culture (music industry-wide) that tolerates and celebrates abusive men.

29 Recommend

Flag

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

@imcrary My point was that this genre, call it rap/hip-hop (and like, say, heavy metal) represents and supports an extreme subculture and that this is NOT confined to the music industry, but is part of our whole society (and commercial pop culture throughout the world, now.) Certain music genres that are extreme or "outliers" regarding "misogyny and abuse" and also culturally shape society in a significsnt way need be directly addressed, imo. The misconduct you mention that is common in the music industry is also far too common throughout the entertainment industry, corporate and finance sectors and really anyplace where fame, fortune or anything valued can be leveraged for sex. If any lines are to be drawn between any of these the world of Mr. Combs should clearly be one of the first.

8 Recommend

Flag

lou andrews commented September 23

l

lou andrews

Portland OregonSept. 23

@Carl Bumba -it's not s "Subculture". It IS the culture of this industry. Please remember that

5 Recommend

Flag

jimerson commented September 23

jimerson

jimerson

SeattleSept. 23

@Carl Bumba The music isn't being put on trial. Combs is. Donald Trump, who prefers Village People disco anthems to hip-hop, has been found liable by juries for of some of the same abuses Combs is charged with, and he's still walking free. The way he sees it, it's all about race: "I got indicted a second time and a third time and a fourth time, and a lot of people said that that’s why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against." (Donald Trump, February 23, 2024)

2 Recommend

Flag

Carl Bumba commented September 23

Carl Bumba

Carl Bumba

MO-OzarksSept. 23

@jimerson I'm not referring to the details of this particular trial. (I probably shouldn't have mentioned his name at all.) I was criticizing our society's use of extreme transgressions and their public litigation to bring about needed social change (beyond the effects of legal precedence and law changes that would follow.) It's the public theater aspect of all this that seems a problem.

1 Recommend

Flag

Floyd commented September 23

F

Floyd

Chico, CASept. 23

@Carl Bumba And just who do you suggest provides this “oversight”?

Recommend

Flag

Madeline Conant commented September 23

Madeline Conant

Madeline Conant

MidwestSept. 23

There is a lot of abuse and injustice that hid until we had video to prove it to a world that preferred to look the other way. Think of all the police abuse that still would be going on if we didn't have video to uncover it. Would we be writing about Combs today if that video of him beating his girlfriend had not surfaced? Thank god for iPhones and security cams.

38 Recommend

Flag

Harley Leiber commented September 23

Harley Leiber

Harley Leiber

Portland ORSept. 23

Fall from grace, It is over.

15 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

jimerson commented September 23

jimerson

jimerson

SeattleSept. 23

@Harley Leiber "Grace" has never been a factor in Combs' life. He was a shameless plagiarist in the music business long before he was widely known to be a thug.

7 Recommend

Flag

Philip Cafaro commented September 23

P

Philip Cafaro

Fort Collins, COSept. 23

Wish there was one tenth the attention to white-collar corporate crime that these sex cases routinely attract. How about waiving the statute of limitations on that?

20 Recommend

Flag

B Sharp commented September 23

B Sharp

B Sharp

CincinnatiSept. 23

No wonder how famous someone is like Mr. Combs, suposedly harming another and unethical activities are not acceptable !

3 Recommend

Flag

Kathy commented September 23

K

Kathy

SFSept. 23

Seth Rogan described musicians as being capable of fully insulating themselves. Apparently they can find plenty of criminal accomplices; people who are happy to earn money by abusing girls and women. Perhaps the music industry is a corollary to the religion/cult industry, except with young girls as currency.

12 Recommend

Flag

ML commented September 23

M

ML

Washington, D.C.Sept. 23

The comparisons to R. Kelly or even Harvey Weinstein don't do justice to the allegations against Sean Combs. He not only pressured people to have sex with him to advance their career, he had them perform sex acts with sex workers and surreptitiously recorded the sex acts and other behaviors he coerced or encouraged at his parties, presumably to blackmail. He beat women. His ex has reported that he placed explosives in a car to kill Kid Cudi. This far exceeds the reprehensible acts that kicked off #MeToo. While many artists rap or sing about a lifestyle but don't live it (anymore), it turns out Combs was confessing. Bad Boy For Life, indeed.

68 Recommend

Flag

Lilly Dang commented September 23

L

Lilly Dang

New YorkSept. 23

This article is focused on sex crimes against women. But it appears P Diddy will open the can of worms that are significantly underreported and demeaned, sexual crimes against men and male minors. Adolescent boys deserve protection and education about gender crimes and sexual interactions as much as we think about girls. I have known many real life instances in which men are sexually assaulted at young age and have to suppress the trauma because of the widely held belief that males cannot be the victims. Yes, they can if they are children.

78 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

JenM commented September 23

J

JenM

TorontoSept. 23

@Lilly Dang Was going to say the same thing. Men aren’t immune to sexual assault—particularly minors

10 Recommend

Flag

Penny commented September 23

P

Penny

MadisonSept. 23

@Lilly Dang Still an issue with the system that allows men (yes the overwhelming number of perps) to do these things and then paint it as though it's an individual problem.

12 Recommend

Flag

Aaron R commented September 23

A

Aaron R

BCSept. 23

@Lilly Dang You had me until the last sentence. Men can be victims regardless of age.

3 Recommend

Flag

Jd commented September 23

Jd

Jd

Yorba LindaSept. 23

It isn’t eerie that the Hollywood cousins are very vocal about which party to vote for to keep the power and illusions in place. It’s the same people that have Epstein’s photos, who now have Diddie’s photos. Hold my beer, watch this!

9 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Trina commented September 23

T

Trina

IndianaSept. 23

@Jd Isn't strange the upteem reports of sexual violance against Catholic youth by priest has been ignored. How many priest have seen jail time? Few. Just like Southern Baptist sex scandal evolving children a couple of years ago. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/23/us/southern-baptist-sex-abuse-report.html So don't think rape against women or children is a left or right problem.

4 Recommend

Flag

jimerson commented September 23

jimerson

jimerson

SeattleSept. 23

@Jd Speaking of Epstein in a 2002 interview, his pal Donald Trump said: "I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life." (New York Magazine, "Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery," Oct. 28, 2002.)

5 Recommend

Flag

Cato commented September 23

C

Cato

NYCSept. 23

The music world? I thought Mr. Combs was a rapper - what does that have to do with music??

40 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Douglas Evans commented September 23

D

Douglas Evans

San FranciscoSept. 23

@Cato. All American music is based on what black people were listening to at a given time. Blues, soul, r&b, jazz, rock ‘n roll … If you’re not listening to rap, you’re not hearing contemporary American music.

7 Recommend

Flag

imcrary commented September 23

i

imcrary

LASept. 23

@Cato I don't understand these types of comments, dismissing an entire genre outright because, I don't know, you don't like it? Rap music is over 50 years old. It includes musical and song-writing geniuses, and, like LITERALLY EVERY OTHER GENRE some complete garbage. Can we not do this?

6 Recommend

Flag

Max commented September 23

M

Max

NYCSept. 23

I'm sorry to point this out, but is it the music industry, or the rap/R&B industry? Individual offenders like Marilyn Manson and Ryan Adams abusing their girlfriends is simply not on the scale of the organized exploitation perpetrated by Diddy, R Kelly and others in that world.

38 Recommend

Flag

c commented September 23

c

c

paSept. 23

coincidence that so many label CEO’s resigned recently?

8 Recommend

Flag

August West commented September 23

A

August West

MidwestSept. 23

Do we have to cubbyhole/label everything? He's just a dude who may or may not be guilty of a crime and is now being held accountable. Just like R. Kelly.

Recommend

Flag

6 Replies

Jim ODonnell commented September 23

J

Jim ODonnell

MiamiSept. 23

@August West I think the article justifiably asks a question which sounds very much in line with your comment -- are there other dudes who may or may not be guilty of a crime that might be held accountable as the result of these high-profile scenarios? I think it's fair for the reporter to ask this question, because it would appear the music business has not done a lot to prevent the behavior the article describes.

11 Recommend

Flag

Penny commented September 23

P

Penny

MadisonSept. 23

@August West This is not a "one off". It reflects a system that tells men they can dehumanize women.

6 Recommend

Flag

Trina commented September 23

T

Trina

IndianaSept. 23

@August West Do we have to deflect, downplay, or minimize everything? I recall Sun-Time columnist Mary Mitchell, writing about R Kelly will known reputation of cruising Chicago juinor high schools for girls. When she called CPD, they did nothing. School principal's had to confront Kelly, that was 2002/03. At the time the predictable reframe from black men and women: "Always tryin' to keep a blackman down, because he is rich and famous." The very twisted logic of the "no snitch" rule.

5 Recommend

Flag

L osservatore commented September 23

L

L osservatore

In fair Verona, where we lay our sceneSept. 23

@August West -- But the time his activities - his little kingdom of depravity - existed free from all legal and moral attention stands alone. Even while Epstein welcomed the connected men to his island, we were hearing things. Would it have lasted this long in a heavily conservative legal environment, or are Democratic Party leaders required for this level of antisocial behaviour to last for as long as Comb's little world??

Recommend

Flag

August West commented September 23

A

August West

MidwestSept. 23

@Jim ODonnell It's not the business of the music business to prosecute illegal behavior. While it may be unpopular to say so, all parties involved are adults. No one, far as we know, forced them down the freak off path, although once they went down it, the door to blackmail/extortion was open. Not to blame the victim, but it seems likely there was a quid pro quo going on. So, you foolishly performed lewd acts, knowing that you were being recorded, and now that you didn't become rich and famous, there's an issue. This doesn't seem like a slam dunk for the prosecution.

Recommend

Flag

Jim ODonnell commented September 23

J

Jim ODonnell

MiamiSept. 23

@August West I never said it was the business of the music business to prosecute illegal behavior -- that's a prosecutor's job, and this prosecutor appears fully intent upon doing it. What I said, and what I maintain, is that I think it's fair game for this reporter and this paper to ask the question whether the music business is approaching a period of scrutiny that resembles the me-too / time's-up activity that permeated the film and tv community a few years ago.

2 Recommend

Flag

Blue In Texas. commented September 23

B

Blue In Texas.

AustinSept. 23

This inhumane behavior has been rampant in the music industry for decades. Ask any female musician. You could interview 20 established musicians who are women and maybe 1 or 2 won't have a story.

16 Recommend

Flag

Grittenhouse commented September 23

G

Grittenhouse

Philadelphia, PASept. 23

It sounds like you are saying activists are looking for another target to disrupt. You ignore all the rappers who have been arrested for various crimes. Too many accusations ignore the responsibility of people to take care of themselves and put all the blame on others.

5 Recommend

Flag

Clare commented September 23

C

Clare

CanadaSept. 23

To me the shocking part is that all these paid employees got involved with criminal behavior. Maybe I've just been fortunate to never be so desperate for being with the cool kids, or money desperate. Sounds like this guy had many accomplice's.

14 Recommend

Flag

Gerry O'Brien commented September 23

Gerry O'Brien

Gerry O'Brien

Ottawa, CanadaSept. 23

The predatory monster Sean Combs is behind bars and will be presented in court to face multiple charges ... I am happy for this, but how many other predatory monsters are there loose in society ???

15 Recommend

Flag

Jacqui commented September 23

J

Jacqui

BrooklynSept. 23

I hope the music industry gets it's #MeToo movement. I worked for Live Nation for 14 years & I still can not believe the amount of disgusting and inappropriate behavior I put up with. There was plenty of inappropriate touching, language and intimidation. I spoke up once, when I first started working there and I was told to grow a thick skin. I never said anything again- I put up with it. My boss had a stripper pole in his office and his walls were covered scantily clad, sexually suggesting posters of various female singers. Day in and day out I had to go in there and sit and listen to him in that environment. Gross.

54 Recommend

Flag

D Bielinsky commented September 23

D

D Bielinsky

NycSept. 23

Did he not hire these prostitutes? It would seem to be a high bar to show an abuse has taken place that they had not agreed to in exchange for payment. Weird ok, but criminal?

1 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

B commented September 23

B

B

Buffalo NySept. 23

@D Bielinsky have you read the details? They are horrific. Your response seems pretty glib and is troubling. Also, it’s possible for someone to be a sex worker and also be sexually assaulted.

10 Recommend

Flag

Winston commented September 23

W

Winston

NeverlandSept. 23

@D Bielinsky : The allegations are that they were drugged, physically assaulted, filmed, and then blackmailed with the film.

11 Recommend

Flag

SLC commented September 23

S

SLC

EarthSept. 23

@D Bielinsky Yes - the men. We are talking about the women he drugged.

5 Recommend

Flag

El Jamon commented September 23

E

El Jamon

Undisclosed LocationSept. 23

I invite readers to listen to The Rolling Stones song “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadows” or “Straycat Blues” I quote Mr. Dylan, “The times they are a-changing…”

Recommend

Flag

C Armstrong commented September 23

C

C Armstrong

CanadaSept. 23

Rap hasn’t just been a driver for misogyny … it has also been a document of the glorification of sexual violence.

42 Recommend

Flag

Neetz commented September 23

N

Neetz

NYCSept. 23

The sight of him now repulses me.

18 Recommend

Flag

Bob commented September 23

Bob

Bob

TexasSept. 23

Its rare but yes even the Music world is a vat of full fledged sex trafficking and simple money for sex. Sean is going down but the more interesting part is who else is on the same track with him.

11 Recommend

Flag

ER 2 commented September 23

E

ER 2

CaliSept. 23

Can’t wait for this creep’s story to cycle off.

8 Recommend

Flag

Joan commented September 23

J

Joan

North carolinaSept. 23

Diddy didn’t act alone… lots of enablers. Catch them all.

42 Recommend

Flag

ENuff commented September 23

E

ENuff

Vermont / New HampshireSept. 23

And into the dust bin of history he goes.

5 Recommend

Flag

DickeyFuller commented September 23

D

DickeyFuller

BostonSept. 23

Why did it take so long? Why have Black Mothers, Black grandmothers, Black girls - and the men who love them - tolerated this for decades? Our aerobics class uses "Booty Down" for a routine. It is absolutely disgusting. No decent person should tolerate this. And it's not "art".

30 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

T. Martin commented September 23

T

T. Martin

EarthSept. 23

@DickeyFuller Have you asked your aerobics class instructor to consider changing the music?

8 Recommend

Flag

Pete K commented September 23

P

Pete K

North of NYSept. 23

Until rappers change their lyrics nothing will change, and as long as the media refuses to publish the lyrics instead of providing cover for them nothing will change. Many of these songs are so n word loaded porn style anti woman I can never figure out why the media panders to and someone separates the rapper from the lyrics.

33 Recommend

Flag

Noah Vail commented September 23

N

Noah Vail

GloversvilleSept. 23

Kesha perfectly represents the industry's attitude toward Diddy--celebrating his hedonism (to put it lightly) until he got caught.

6 Recommend

Flag

Jack commented September 23

J

Jack

Los AngelesSept. 23

Come back, Tipper Gore! All is forgiven!

12 Recommend

Flag

MarsNova commented September 23

M

MarsNova

Greater SeattleSept. 23

I’ve joked that, if a MeToo wave ever hits the rap world, the only rapper we might have left is MC Paul Barman. The way things are going, it might not be that much of a joke…

3 Recommend

Flag

Francesca Turchiano commented September 23

Francesca Turchiano

Francesca Turchiano

ManhattanSept. 23

All the news that’s fit to print? I really want to introduce my curious 14 year old son to this likely criminal depravity by a celebrity? Drop your tag line or clean up your act! This is a sordid tabloid saga.

2 Recommend

Flag

Don Yuan commented September 23

D

Don Yuan

NYCSept. 23

Is it really so terribly difficult... to NOT commit sexual assault? Absolutely pathetic and disgusting. These "men" need to be in jail for 30 years minimum, preferably life. And don't even try the "family man" defense.

20 Recommend

Flag

Douglas Evans commented September 23

D

Douglas Evans

San FranciscoSept. 23

I think there is a high probability Puff Daddy walks. I may change my mind based on what the witnesses say, but I’m not seeing the “non-consensual” or “coercion” parts. He’ll spend a year in pre-trial detention, then go home to his mansion where they will celebrate with another orgy.

Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Winston commented September 23

W

Winston

NeverlandSept. 23

@Douglas Evans : He's charged under the modern day equivalent of the Mann Act. Consent is irrelevant under the statute. You can't transport people across state lines for purposes of prostitution even if they consent.

17 Recommend

Flag

Jim ODonnell commented September 23

J

Jim ODonnell

MiamiSept. 23

@Douglas Evans I disagree, I think the probability he walks is low. I'm thinking the prosecutors believe their case to be strong. As the indictment includes counts of RICO, there are likely witnesses and co-conspirators already identified to strengthen the prosecution's case.

9 Recommend

Flag

Grunchy commented September 23

G

Grunchy

AlbertaSept. 23

Oh I get it, people are only just now learning about "sex drugs and rock 'n roll." Yeah, right.

1 Recommend

Flag

Meena commented September 23

M

Meena

CaliforniaSept. 23

When will parents realize that emphasizing education to their vulnerable youngsters is important? Why do they think showing off young bodies or encouraging youngsters to profit off their bodies is a good idea. And the songs. So meaningless. I mean compare the lyrics to Billy Joel or Pink Floyd and gosh they are just incoherent nonsense. Why do people gravitate towards such thoughtless phrases? This lack of judgement and a laziness to think of consequences of actions are what empower people like Combs to think they are invincible. So glad he is in prison and I hope he stays there for a very, very, long time. I sure hope the intelligence community is secretly monitoring Elon Musk. One by one we need to pick out the most toxic celebrities, consider it a periodic weeding job.

2 Recommend

Flag

Deirdre commented September 23

Deirdre

Deirdre

New JerseySept. 23

I remember there was a very graphic show on mtv in the 1990’s about the hip hop groupie girls - It was really really wild, and probably abusive. No one said anything back then. One girl wrote a tell all - Karinn Steffens - not sure of spelling Someone should have stopped this back then.

18 Recommend

Flag

David commented September 23

D

David

TorontoSept. 23

Why would non-disclosure agreements between people include a full and complete shield on disclosure of potential criminal activity? While the concept of Lawyer - Client Privilege is understood for defendants, the circumstances described in the article aren’t comparable. Would like to hear from a NDA expert, how this is supported legally.

18 Recommend

Flag

Carl commented September 23

C

Carl

BostonSept. 23

I thought an NDA could not be used to cover up criminal activities….. I guess I am naive.

19 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

sanderling1 commented September 23

s

sanderling1

MarylandSept. 23

@Carl , this articles leaves me wondering whether the original legal intent of NDAs has been twisted into a "get out of trouble" card for perpetrators.

3 Recommend

Flag

Marylouise commented September 23

M

Marylouise

Hermitage, PASept. 23

One can only imagine what went on in the 60s and 70s. I would bet there are many buried lawsuits against the heroes of Rock n Roll.

14 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

gw commented September 23

gw

gw

usaSept. 23

@Marylouise - there were certainly a lot of groupies and sexist lyrics in the 60s and 70s, but overall I'd say hip-hop takes the cake for violence, sexism and grotesque misogyny.

31 Recommend

Flag

John Alexander commented September 23

J

John Alexander

MichiganSept. 23

What do Hollywood, Politics, and Music have in common in this regard- people who know what's going on but keep quiet.

10 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Maria commented September 23

M

Maria

ConnecticutSept. 23

@John Alexander It goes on everywhere. Wall Street. The medical field. The mental health field. The police. Everywhere. Ask yourself why? One reason is that our society feels contempt for whistleblowers who are actually hero’s. We don’t reward them. We punish them. We crush them.

20 Recommend

Flag

Brandon H. commented September 23

B

Brandon H.

CASept. 23

#MeToo has been happening in the industry. It just happened to be concentrated in the pop punk genre.

4 Recommend

Flag

ManhattanWilliam commented September 23

ManhattanWilliam

ManhattanWilliam

NYCSept. 23

Sean Comb's horrific video remains burned into my memory from the first time I saw it. It was a vile, grotesque display of physical abuse against a woman who seemed to be trying to get away from him and whatever was going on in that hotel. NOT a good look for Combs, to say the least, and it might well be that he's guilty of the many crimes he's being accused of. Having said this, I certainly hope that we don't return to the worst days of the so-called #MeToo movement, where accusations with little or no proof was enough to sully the reputations of accused perpetrators, driving people to consider the accused guilty without the slightest form of due process. People that commit crimes should be denounced and punished. Having a sex party, in and of itself, is not a crime. It's very possible to imagine that there were many willing participants at these "freak-offs". The government is sensationalizing this case to make it all seem illegal when in fact what may be seedy isn't necessarily illegal. Now if it's proven that women were coerced or drugged or forced against their will to participate in these orgies, then Combs will be rightly found guilty. As I said, the video speaks volumes and puts a dark cloud over Combs and his defense. But we need more than mere accusations from women that cannot back up their claims with evidence. Guess what? Men have rights too, and Combs is still innocent until proven guilty, although I don't deny it's not looking good for him.

4 Recommend

Flag

D Bielinsky commented September 23

D

D Bielinsky

NycSept. 23

Did he not hire these prostitutes? It would seem to be a high bar to show an abuse has taken place that they had not agreed to in exchange for payment. Weird ok, but criminal?

1 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

B commented September 23

B

B

Buffalo NySept. 23

@D Bielinsky have you read the details? They are horrific. Your response seems pretty glib and is troubling. Also, it’s possible for someone to be a sex worker and also be sexually assaulted.

10 Recommend

Flag

Winston commented September 23

W

Winston

NeverlandSept. 23

@D Bielinsky : The allegations are that they were drugged, physically assaulted, filmed, and then blackmailed with the film.

11 Recommend

Flag

SLC commented September 23

S

SLC

EarthSept. 23

@D Bielinsky Yes - the men. We are talking about the women he drugged.

5 Recommend

Flag

El Jamon commented September 23

E

El Jamon

Undisclosed LocationSept. 23

I invite readers to listen to The Rolling Stones song “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadows” or “Straycat Blues” I quote Mr. Dylan, “The times they are a-changing…”

Recommend

Flag

C Armstrong commented September 23

C

C Armstrong

CanadaSept. 23

Rap hasn’t just been a driver for misogyny … it has also been a document of the glorification of sexual violence.

42 Recommend

Flag

Neetz commented September 23

N

Neetz

NYCSept. 23

The sight of him now repulses me.

18 Recommend

Flag

Bob commented September 23

Bob

Bob

TexasSept. 23

Its rare but yes even the Music world is a vat of full fledged sex trafficking and simple money for sex. Sean is going down but the more interesting part is who else is on the same track with him.

11 Recommend

Flag

ER 2 commented September 23

E

ER 2

CaliSept. 23

Can’t wait for this creep’s story to cycle off.

8 Recommend

Flag

Joan commented September 23

J

Joan

North carolinaSept. 23

Diddy didn’t act alone… lots of enablers. Catch them all.

42 Recommend

Flag

ENuff commented September 23

E

ENuff

Vermont / New HampshireSept. 23

And into the dust bin of history he goes.

5 Recommend

Flag

DickeyFuller commented September 23

D

DickeyFuller

BostonSept. 23

Why did it take so long? Why have Black Mothers, Black grandmothers, Black girls - and the men who love them - tolerated this for decades? Our aerobics class uses "Booty Down" for a routine. It is absolutely disgusting. No decent person should tolerate this. And it's not "art".

30 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

T. Martin commented September 23

T

T. Martin

EarthSept. 23

@DickeyFuller Have you asked your aerobics class instructor to consider changing the music?

8 Recommend

Flag

Pete K commented September 23

P

Pete K

North of NYSept. 23

Until rappers change their lyrics nothing will change, and as long as the media refuses to publish the lyrics instead of providing cover for them nothing will change. Many of these songs are so n word loaded porn style anti woman I can never figure out why the media panders to and someone separates the rapper from the lyrics.

33 Recommend

Flag

Noah Vail commented September 23

N

Noah Vail

GloversvilleSept. 23

Kesha perfectly represents the industry's attitude toward Diddy--celebrating his hedonism (to put it lightly) until he got caught.

6 Recommend

Flag

Jack commented September 23

J

Jack

Los AngelesSept. 23

Come back, Tipper Gore! All is forgiven!

12 Recommend

Flag

MarsNova commented September 23

M

MarsNova

Greater SeattleSept. 23

I’ve joked that, if a MeToo wave ever hits the rap world, the only rapper we might have left is MC Paul Barman. The way things are going, it might not be that much of a joke…

3 Recommend

Flag

Francesca Turchiano commented September 23

Francesca Turchiano

Francesca Turchiano

ManhattanSept. 23

All the news that’s fit to print? I really want to introduce my curious 14 year old son to this likely criminal depravity by a celebrity? Drop your tag line or clean up your act! This is a sordid tabloid saga.

2 Recommend

Flag

Don Yuan commented September 23

D

Don Yuan

NYCSept. 23

Is it really so terribly difficult... to NOT commit sexual assault? Absolutely pathetic and disgusting. These "men" need to be in jail for 30 years minimum, preferably life. And don't even try the "family man" defense.

20 Recommend

Flag

Douglas Evans commented September 23

D

Douglas Evans

San FranciscoSept. 23

I think there is a high probability Puff Daddy walks. I may change my mind based on what the witnesses say, but I’m not seeing the “non-consensual” or “coercion” parts. He’ll spend a year in pre-trial detention, then go home to his mansion where they will celebrate with another orgy.

Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Winston commented September 23

W

Winston

NeverlandSept. 23

@Douglas Evans : He's charged under the modern day equivalent of the Mann Act. Consent is irrelevant under the statute. You can't transport people across state lines for purposes of prostitution even if they consent.

17 Recommend

Flag

Jim ODonnell commented September 23

J

Jim ODonnell

MiamiSept. 23

@Douglas Evans I disagree, I think the probability he walks is low. I'm thinking the prosecutors believe their case to be strong. As the indictment includes counts of RICO, there are likely witnesses and co-conspirators already identified to strengthen the prosecution's case.

9 Recommend

Flag

Grunchy commented September 23

G

Grunchy

AlbertaSept. 23

Oh I get it, people are only just now learning about "sex drugs and rock 'n roll." Yeah, right.

1 Recommend

Flag

Meena commented September 23

M

Meena

CaliforniaSept. 23

When will parents realize that emphasizing education to their vulnerable youngsters is important? Why do they think showing off young bodies or encouraging youngsters to profit off their bodies is a good idea. And the songs. So meaningless. I mean compare the lyrics to Billy Joel or Pink Floyd and gosh they are just incoherent nonsense. Why do people gravitate towards such thoughtless phrases? This lack of judgement and a laziness to think of consequences of actions are what empower people like Combs to think they are invincible. So glad he is in prison and I hope he stays there for a very, very, long time. I sure hope the intelligence community is secretly monitoring Elon Musk. One by one we need to pick out the most toxic celebrities, consider it a periodic weeding job.

2 Recommend

Flag

Deirdre commented September 23

Deirdre

Deirdre

New JerseySept. 23

I remember there was a very graphic show on mtv in the 1990’s about the hip hop groupie girls - It was really really wild, and probably abusive. No one said anything back then. One girl wrote a tell all - Karinn Steffens - not sure of spelling Someone should have stopped this back then.

18 Recommend

Flag

David commented September 23

D

David

TorontoSept. 23

Why would non-disclosure agreements between people include a full and complete shield on disclosure of potential criminal activity? While the concept of Lawyer - Client Privilege is understood for defendants, the circumstances described in the article aren’t comparable. Would like to hear from a NDA expert, how this is supported legally.

18 Recommend

Flag

Carl commented September 23

C

Carl

BostonSept. 23

I thought an NDA could not be used to cover up criminal activities….. I guess I am naive.

19 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

sanderling1 commented September 23

s

sanderling1

MarylandSept. 23

@Carl , this articles leaves me wondering whether the original legal intent of NDAs has been twisted into a "get out of trouble" card for perpetrators.

3 Recommend

Flag

Marylouise commented September 23

M

Marylouise

Hermitage, PASept. 23

One can only imagine what went on in the 60s and 70s. I would bet there are many buried lawsuits against the heroes of Rock n Roll.

14 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

gw commented September 23

gw

gw

usaSept. 23

@Marylouise - there were certainly a lot of groupies and sexist lyrics in the 60s and 70s, but overall I'd say hip-hop takes the cake for violence, sexism and grotesque misogyny.

31 Recommend

Flag

John Alexander commented September 23

J

John Alexander

MichiganSept. 23

What do Hollywood, Politics, and Music have in common in this regard- people who know what's going on but keep quiet.

10 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Maria commented September 23

M

Maria

ConnecticutSept. 23

@John Alexander It goes on everywhere. Wall Street. The medical field. The mental health field. The police. Everywhere. Ask yourself why? One reason is that our society feels contempt for whistleblowers who are actually hero’s. We don’t reward them. We punish them. We crush them.

20 Recommend

Flag

Brandon H. commented September 23

B

Brandon H.

CASept. 23

#MeToo has been happening in the industry. It just happened to be concentrated in the pop punk genre.

4 Recommend

Flag

ManhattanWilliam commented September 23

ManhattanWilliam

ManhattanWilliam

NYCSept. 23

Sean Comb's horrific video remains burned into my memory from the first time I saw it. It was a vile, grotesque display of physical abuse against a woman who seemed to be trying to get away from him and whatever was going on in that hotel. NOT a good look for Combs, to say the least, and it might well be that he's guilty of the many crimes he's being accused of. Having said this, I certainly hope that we don't return to the worst days of the so-called #MeToo movement, where accusations with little or no proof was enough to sully the reputations of accused perpetrators, driving people to consider the accused guilty without the slightest form of due process. People that commit crimes should be denounced and punished. Having a sex party, in and of itself, is not a crime. It's very possible to imagine that there were many willing participants at these "freak-offs". The government is sensationalizing this case to make it all seem illegal when in fact what may be seedy isn't necessarily illegal. Now if it's proven that women were coerced or drugged or forced against their will to participate in these orgies, then Combs will be rightly found guilty. As I said, the video speaks volumes and puts a dark cloud over Combs and his defense. But we need more than mere accusations from women that cannot back up their claims with evidence. Guess what? Men have rights too, and Combs is still innocent until proven guilty, although I don't deny it's not looking good for him.

4 Recommend

Flag

W.B. commented September 23

W.B.

W.B.

WASept. 23

I've been around musicians and music for a long time, at street level. They are all about the music and the craft. In contrast, these women wrappers are all after fame and fortune and the Big Shot, and/or something seedier. Let's be real, all these Big CEOs and the Big Labels put out catalogs full of lyrics you can read and infer exactly what kind of people they are. I have advocated the NYT print the actual lyrics, from albums lauded by John Caramancia and others, next to the articles they print reviewing those. It will never happen and instead they pull-quote whatever palatable bit cherry-picked from the liner notes, usually to exhibit some innocuous line or two that demonstrates the grace and beauty and poignancy of the artists' life, which is designed to be relatable and appealing while elsewhere in the mix, are glimpses of the boozy sex and drug orgies, the menacing gun culture, and of course the portrayal of a certain kind of woman who draws attention wherever she goes, who is singing along in her car, admiring herself in the rearview, twirling her extensions and adjusting her lashes, waiting for her shot at "Puff Daddy".

21 Recommend

Flag

Ivermarkt commented September 23

Ivermarkt

Ivermarkt

PasadenaSept. 23

After WAP topped the charts and I started to read the rap lyrics that before were indiscernible grunts and screams to me, none of what rap moguls do in private now shocks me. Those Freak Offs were probably just collaborative writing workshops.

30 Recommend

Flag

dougie commented September 23

d

dougie

seattleSept. 23

One of the horrible things about this entire situation is that much of the activities occurred in hotels such as The Intercontinental. How did they not know that porn films were being made in their rooms? Why did they ignore the beatings occurring in the hallways captured on video? Are they really that desperate for cash? Why aren't they being charged?

50 Recommend

Flag

cass county commented September 23

cass county

cass county

rancho mirageSept. 23

New York Times lumping “ music industry “ as one entity. there has ALWAYS been a problem with fan favorite highly successful big money performers. i do not recall any lurid sensationalist exposes on the television industry when Bill Cosby was convicted.

5 Recommend

Flag

Mary commented September 23

M

Mary

Kihei, HiSept. 23

All you have to do is observe how the women in the music business are corsetted and strapped and bangled and exposed and the men are in jeans and a t-shirt to know how misogynistic the business is.

77 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Nicki commented September 23

N

Nicki

AustraliaSept. 23

@Mary Totally agree. I'm Gen X and except for Madonna, I can't remember too many women who presented themselves in revealing body suits, like showgirls, in their act. Today, they are everywhere - Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Pink, etc, etc, etc. I just want to watch a woman sing who is somewhat clothed. Is that too much to ask. Thank god for Billie Eilish.

10 Recommend

Flag

larkspur commented September 23

l

larkspur

dubuqueSept. 23

check out the 'lyrics' to any of Mr Combs' so called 'songs' I can't repeat them here. when a person tells you who they are, believe them the first time.

72 Recommend

Flag

arden commented September 23

a

arden

Los AngelesSept. 23

The lure of fame and fortune is such a strong magnet, especially with it thrown in young peoples faces daily on socials. Greed, gluttony and mistreatment of fellow human beings seems to be the path to get to this fame and fortune and a totally normative path broadcasted for all to see and hear. I worked in Hollywood for a hot minute. It reminded me of a dysfunctional magnet. The names I was called. Advances made with zero accountability. (Being backed in to a corner by an exec) all under the guise of he's an "artistic genius" you can't say anything-ism. I am glad I was raised with a solid foundation of who I was and that if it seemed too good to be true--it was and is. This all smells of poverty once again. The rich and powerful (who probably were once impoverished their own selves) are now calling the shots on poor souls just hoping to get ahead on this bleak ride we call Planet Earth. Parents. Do your kids a favor. Show them love. Watch them close. Read and get knowledgable about what is going on around them. Give them foundational tools in order to self soothe. If you see they are going the wrong direction, pivot quickly. Keep your own drug and alcohol use to a minimum (if at all) Dare I say, have some sort of faith based grounding in the family. Believe in the stars and cosmos if you have--just get something that is bigger than you--and lock in. None of the accounts seems even remotely outrageous. More like a tragic Shakespearean novel.

38 Recommend

Flag

Micah commented September 23

M

Micah

VirginiaSept. 23

One major aspect of the music industry that has produced such an opaque response to MeToo is the system of advance payments by record labels. New artists sign recording contracts and in their excitement and inexperience have no true idea as to what they've agreed to. Once a cash advance has been frittered away by a young artist, they are on the hook to work with whoever the label assigns on their timeline. This relationship is rife with abuse and nearly impossible for these artists to legally escape.

23 Recommend

Flag

ss commented September 23

s

ss

BostonSept. 23

'largely avoided the accountability that swept Hollywood and politics.' Primarily for two reasons: first, those two are much more attractive to the media which are driving a lot here, and second, the number of willing participants is very likely to be very high. A lot of what is listed in this article could not have been done without willing, if not eager participation, let's be honest. And a lot of accusations would amount to either only-us-in-room situations, or 'he says she says'. In today's America, such things are more than enough to jail some one, and a lot of characters deserves no better, this one probably being the most egregious example being on the verge of such accusation for decades and never living 'lawfully', but proving things legally, without substantial prejudice and significant pre-trial-decision, is a much harder task than it seems.

5 Recommend

Flag

Jane K commented September 23

J

Jane K

Northern CaliforniaSept. 23

The NDA’s have become the problem in abuse cases, whether it is the music, television, film or business industry. They allow the behavior to continue because the behavior is not made public. Like a lot of things, at some point an NDA was beneficial to both parties to avoid embarrassment. At this point, they are like a cudgel to prevent people from telling the truth. Donald Trump, in particular has used them to prevent people from knowing who he truly is and the values he holds important to himself. The other option for women may be to use the same playbook as Sean Combs and other minority record labels have turned to. Women need to form female based record/music companies to represent and produce female artists and their musical interests to avoid some of the misogynistic behavior that apparently occurring on a regular basis.

22 Recommend

Flag

Harley Leiber commented September 23

Harley Leiber

Harley Leiber

Portland ORSept. 23

Like the movie biz, the music industry is full of hangers on, wannabees, groupies, low level assistants, security staff, producers, writers, techs, A and R scouts, booking agents, promoters and various and sundry others all tied to the revenue streams their artists and labels provide. Combs provided income for lots and lots of people. So, no one was willing, until recently to tattle on him. Now he's in jail and the truth will come out. He'll either be exonerated or convicted.

14 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

ML commented September 23

M

ML

Washington, D.C.Sept. 23

@Harley Leiber Maybe. But it appears Combs put people in compromising situations and surreptitiously recorded a lot of it. Do we really think a ton of people will voluntarily open themselves up to humiliation?

24 Recommend

Flag

Tucker commented September 23

T

Tucker

Baltimore, MarylandSept. 23

Rock Stars behave badly? I'm shocked !

13 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Mike commented September 23

M

Mike

MontanaSept. 23

@Tucker "Behave badly" is how you would characterize these allegations? yikes

21 Recommend

Flag

Lori Rose commented September 23

L

Lori Rose

Rad 2 B in CarlsbadSept. 23

NDAs perpetuate bad behavior. Seems like this area of contract law needs to be reformed. Too much behavior bordering on criminal is swept under the rug instead of being stopped with sunlight.

43 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Patricia commented September 23

P

Patricia

CASept. 23

@Lori Rose NDAs don't prevent the victim from telling their story to criminal authorities.

1 Recommend

Flag

Mike commented September 23

M

Mike

CaliforniaSept. 23

The music industry (that I worked in for a while) does bring a culture of "sex, drugs and rock and roll" but that it doesn't bring a culture of rape, degradation, violence, abuse, and whatever whims that people in the industry might want to say it does. To sanction any of the things that Combs is being accused of, is like being part of his abuse. Certain people get to a point (from a monetary point of view) and feel that anything can be bought. That is not the case. It doesn't matter who you are, what you own, where you live, what you drive, or anything else for that matter, you still do not have the right to abuse others. We have found this out in the past, and I believe Combs is going to be finding out some harsh realties in the near future. You give what you get in this world. It doesn't matter who you are, you have to pay for your misdeeds. Combs has got a lot to answer for. Too much money, not enough brains. I feel bad for his victims. I don't care what happens to him at all.

36 Recommend

Flag

RichardM commented September 23

R

RichardM

California Central CoastSept. 23

Sad that anyone’s creativity allows them the ‘privilege’ to behave this way. Also hoping that this may lead to a new focus of the lyrics in the near future

16 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

JP Thomas commented September 23

J

JP Thomas

North AmericaSept. 23

@RichardM It's their money that allows them this power, just as the 19th century factory owner who raped the factory girls in his employ did so because of his wealth and the power that brought him. In the big picture of human history, there's nothing really that unique about the entertainment industry when it comes to power imbalances and opportunities for sexual exploitation. In any context where there aren't good guard rails (an HR department, a union, channels of communication for workers, etc.), exploitation can flourish.

24 Recommend

Flag

Alice N. commented September 23

A

Alice N.

WonderlandSept. 23

@JP Thomas Good point. But let's not forget the times when the guard rails, HR and everybody else, know full well that the rich, powerful person is problematic, but because that person is making the company so much money, the people in charge decide it's best not to confront them directly. So rather than telling that person to control themselves, or else, and risk losing their business, controlling that person's behavior becomes someone else's problem. I recently heard of an example where a company moneymaker (big money) was known to be a "sexual harassment risk." I was told that instead of possibly offending this person by spelling out to him that he must behave professionally, HR rounded up all the young women in the office and told them to stay away from him when he came in for meetings--thus putting the responsibility for his behavior on them. Needless to say, that didn't solve the problem. This person is now facing allegations that might have been avoided if everyone had stood together to establish firm boundaries and make his continued employment contingent on abiding by the rules.

1 Recommend

Flag

Dan commented September 23

D

Dan

LASept. 23

The writer cites Kesha's complaint against Dr. Luke and the very next graf contends that lack of marquee names is what makes accusations less effective. There have been plenty of high-profile instances of sexual harassment accusations in this industry; what's lacking is a way to eliminate NDAs for the ensuing settlements. The problem isn't men; the problem — as always — is lawyers.

8 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

J commented September 23

J

J

VaSept. 23

@Dan Someone should make a database like IMDb that lists the NDAs against people. No specifics but the amount of NDAs would be telling right?

10 Recommend

Flag

John commented September 23

J

John

San FranciscoSept. 23

@Dan You mean The Artist Formerly Known as Ke$ha?

1 Recommend

Flag

MilaCA commented September 23

M

MilaCA

CaliforniaSept. 23

@Dan I beg to differ: The problem IS these disgusting men who have the big bucks to hire lawyers to clean up after them.

9 Recommend

Flag

BFan commented September 23

B

BFan

Santa BarbaraSept. 23

Diddy will have his day in court. The evidence appears overwhelming. Until they also go after his enablers... staff, music executives and friends who knew about this and coveted his invitations, nothing will change.

12 Recommend

Flag

Amy D commented September 23

A

Amy D

New JerseySept. 23

In response to the headline - I’m not holding my breath. I’m still haunted by the years I spent in the music business, and I left over 10 years ago.

47 Recommend

Flag

ML commented September 23

M

ML

Washington, D.C.Sept. 23

Where was everyone when this was going on? 50 Cent has said he actively stayed away from Sean Combs. What are Usher's and Bieber's exposure to this? I'm apt to think they are victims but where are their statements? Are we supposed to pretend a whole lot of famous people didn't know what Combs was up to?

79 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Anne commented September 23

A

Anne

NJSept. 23

@ML Also let’s not forget when young Mace gave up a successful music career to be a preacher. It makes more sense now.

3 Recommend

Flag

Alone commented September 23

A

Alone

USASept. 23

A man is caught on video kicking a woman lying down on the ground and the music industry is worried? And Diddy's lawyers claim he is innocent of other assualts? WOW. The entertainment industry is rife with people preying on those who seek Hollywood's fame and fortune....It is about time that every single person is held accountable and punished to the highest extent of the law. We have become a lawless society, and in doing so, gone from a perceived first-world country to a seventh-world rogue nation whose elected leaders and service officials who are in a position to uphold the law have turned a blind eye. I am quite certain there are many Sean P Combs' out there. His case is a recent first.....Hopefully one of many to come to light. Criminals need to be taken to task and jailed for their choices.

167 Recommend

Flag

Retired Fed commented September 23

R

Retired Fed

Northern WestchesterSept. 23

The music industry has been shamelessly exploiting and abusing women for a long time. Justice is due.

115 Recommend

Flag

Linds commented September 23

L

Linds

WISept. 23

Time is up for the music (and especially the hip hop) industry. This is the same industry that vilified Megan Thee Stallion just a few years ago, for coming forward and revealing that she had been shot by fellow rapper Tory Lanez. The industry is misogynistic at its' core. Diddy's arrest is the first step in the right direction.

110 Recommend

Flag

marky commented September 23

m

marky

coSept. 23

I've never met one single human being in my entire life that openly admitted to enjoying his 'music'. Not one person. And I'm not exaggerating and what's worse is I know actual rap producers and they've all said for years he's a fraud. So not only is he despicable, which we mostly already knew, but he really doesn't actually have all that much talent either.

76 Recommend

Flag

Will commented September 23

W

Will

NCSept. 23

R. Kelly was music's #metoo. This is music's Epstein.

95 Recommend

Flag

Norman commented September 23

N

Norman

KingstonSept. 23

Let’s not forget that Weinstein got his start in the music business, not the film business.

24 Recommend

Flag

Midwest Josh commented September 23

M

Midwest Josh

Four Days From SaginawSept. 23

Is anyone truly shocked Combs was arrested for these alleged crimes?

34 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Nora Palma commented September 23

N

Nora Palma

SeattleSept. 23

@Midwest Josh As a woman who has spent her entire adult life around the music industry, yes, I’m shocked that he is facing any consequences for his crimes. (The crimes themselves are not very surprising.)

25 Recommend

Flag

Cato commented September 23

C

Cato

NYCSept. 23

@Midwest Josh: Shocked that he is alleged to have committed the crimes? Not at all. Shocked that he was arrested? Absolutely.

15 Recommend

Flag

TL commented September 23

T

TL

CTSept. 23

The Epstein client list and P Diddy Freak off lists are protected at all costs. That's why we can't trust the government. The press and government are happy to leak any allegation about Trump. But the Epstein and Freak off lists must hit too close to home for their political friends.

31 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Bob Trosper commented September 23

B

Bob Trosper

Ferndale CASept. 23

@TL Exactly what allegations are you referring to? Individuals are either named or given pseudonyms in the Trump indictments if they’re un indicted co conspirators. It’s not a leak if it’s in an indictment or supporting documentation. Do provide some examples of “leaks” about Trump and his gang. The idea that Trump is somehow being persecuted rather than prosecuted may make you feel better but it’s provably not true.

45 Recommend

Flag

Aaron commented September 23

A

Aaron

State College, PASept. 23

The general argument for this article seems salient enough (musicians have escaped the reckoning that came for politicians and Hollywood stars) but it also overlooks a major case that would complicate its claims--the arrest and imprisonment of R. Kelly. That's a case of a very real reckoning for a very powerful man, where this article emphasizes cases that had less clear, more "they were canceled"-type outcomes. Again, the general idea of the article makes sense, but considering the relation of R. Kelly to this case would make the article more complex and nuanced. It would also help if the article mentioned that it's not just Cassie's status as a singer that swayed public opinion, but also the video evidence of Combs attacking her in a hallway. These just feel like big pieces that are left on the table.

70 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Sports Michaelson commented September 23

S

Sports Michaelson

Los AngelesSept. 23

@Aaron you are correct, however a factual assessment of the case and its implications would undermine the headline they decide on, and they want to keep that headline so people click on it.

10 Recommend

Flag

Somewhere In commented September 23

S

Somewhere In

NYCSept. 23

Observing societal trends may explain the puzzling phenomenon of why music so degrading to women is popular. At the same time that this genre of music was growing in popularity, there has been an increasing number of young men who feel resentful of the progress women have been making over the past few decades in education, employment and earning potential. Today, women earn most of the college degrees (both at the undergraduate and graduate levels) and in 40% of families with dependent children, women are the sole or primary breadwinner. Unemployment among prime-age men (25-54) has steadily risen since 1970. The number one reason cited for this age group not working or not seeking employment is mental, physical or behavioral health problems. This trend can be partly explained by the demise of manufacturing jobs that provided a good living without a college degree and the expansion of jobs in fields like teaching and healthcare, which traditionally employed females. Putting women in their place is a message that appeals to those men who feel insecure about their importance in society and would like to return to a time when women were primarily homemakers, “barefoot and pregnant” instead of outperforming men in education and employment. It may also explain the stark gender divide when it comes to the support of candidates like Trump and Vance, who represent a toxic masculinity which conflates masculinity with cruelty and misogyny.

130 Recommend

Flag

6 Replies

Numarias commented September 23

N

Numarias

Drexel Hiil, PASept. 23

@ Somewhere In: I support efforts like the Me Too movement, but what I never see addressed by this movement are the woman who knowingly and willingly use their sexual attraction to gain access and advancement opportunities from men in power.----- Are they not equally culpable as the men who use their positions of power to abuse women who are not complicit? Are they not part of a culture of enabling male predators? I raise this question because as a man I have lost employment and advancement opportunities to women who willingly used their sexual attraction (and often consensual sex) to get ahead of their male counterparts. Thus, it seems to me that the scope of the MeToo movement should also condemn the women who knowingly and willingly enable these predators.

4 Recommend

Flag

winlor commented September 23

w

winlor

brooklynSept. 23

@Somewhere In They call themselves 'alpha' male. Which if you have to you aren't .

6 Recommend

Flag

Jim ODonnell commented September 23

J

Jim ODonnell

MiamiSept. 23

@Numarias I think it's going to be a while before society demands a reckoning against women who use sexuality to their benefit in business. I don't mean to belittle that problem, but I don't think it sits high on any list of societal priorities.

10 Recommend

Flag

Rhoda commented September 23

R

Rhoda

SeattleSept. 23

@Numarias The problem isn’t the women, it’s the men in positions of power that won’t give them opportunities and advancement without the sexual aspect. It’s not consensual sex, it’s coercive rape. Trust that these women would MUCH rather have opportunity and advancement opportunities on their merits.

17 Recommend

Flag

John G commented September 23

J

John G

NYCSept. 23

@Somewhere In, LOL, most of the people committing these violent crimes are NOT Trump and Vance voters.

Recommend

Flag

Margo C commented September 23

M

Margo C

BrooklynSept. 23

@Numarias. Do you have proof or evidence that you lost out on employment opportunities due to a woman’s attractiveness or sexual favors? Or are you basing that on office gossip and innuendo? Because it certainly is not unheard of that bitter men - and some women - will claim this when they lost out on an employment to an attractive woman. The “sleeping her way to the top” trope has followed successful women for decades. And, frankly, doesn’t the blame fall back on the men in power who will accept - or demand - sex when making career decisions.

5 Recommend

Flag

Dave commented September 23

D

Dave

InProgressSept. 23

We should distinguish actual sexual assault with merely coming on to or propositioning a female, right? As an Actor famously said, there’s a difference.

15 Recommend

Flag

2 Replies

Bob commented September 23

B

Bob

Falls ChurchSept. 23

@Dave it depends on the power imbalance. If the person propositioning you is in a position to negatively affect your life or livelihood if you decline the proposition, then it’s a problem.

12 Recommend

Flag

Retired Fed commented September 23

R

Retired Fed

Northern WestchesterSept. 23

@Dave Define it for us if you would, please.

3 Recommend

Flag

Pat commented September 23

P

Pat

WashingtonSept. 23

What I don’t understand is why these women are not reporting this to the police after abuse or rape happens. Instead they sue in court. As someone who was raped myself I feel a lot of sympathy for these women, but also think perhaps more action could have(and should have) been taken earlier.

14 Recommend

Flag

5 Replies

Jane K commented September 23

J

Jane K

Northern CaliforniaSept. 23

@Pat, I’m very sorry that you were raped. Sexually assaulting someone is never okay, whether it happens by a stranger or someone who you may know or are acquainted with in the workplace or socially. I hope your situation was resolved legally and appropriately. While I tend to favor your view, we also need to acknowledge the shock and fear these women may experience after these incidents. Sometimes it takes awhile to realize that you have been taken advantage of. If drugs or alcohol were involved, memories are hazy and it is easy to self blame or remain in denial. By the time someone is ready to report it, evidence can disappear and people in power like Sean Combs or Harvey Weinstein can make it clear that they can and will adversely affect your dreams, livelihood, relationships and reputation. All these factors make it more difficult for women to report the crimes and for the authorities to prosecute the cases. I hope this case will be the one that discourages this type of behavior, but realistically, I don’t think it will ever end.

21 Recommend

Flag

Marni commented September 23

M

Marni

Salt Lake CitySept. 23

@Pat go up against someone rich and powerful in our justice system, you'll understand. In a civil case money can be made which means a powerless victim can get a strong attorney/law firm on their side. In the criminal justice system be ready to pay $300 an hour in legal fees or you're outmatched.

11 Recommend

Flag

Barbara Lagrange> commented September 23

Barbara Lagrange>

Barbara Lagrange>

FloridaSept. 23

@Pat We cannot judge a situation which we were not involved in.. these were young & exploited women.. they ( probably) felt no one would listen or care..

12 Recommend

Flag

Luna commented September 23

L

Luna

MéxicoSept. 23

@Pat these guys have all the money in the world as well as other unimaginably wealthy and powerful men in their own pocket. Often, going to the police will tank her financially and socially, if the silence hasn't already been enforced by violence.

10 Recommend

Flag

Pearl commented September 23

P

Pearl

Atlantic OceanSept. 23

@Pat There are many reasons why some are too afraid or unable to go to the police after they've been raped, abused, and assaulted. You say you have sympathy, yet you question them and insist they do more. Blaming the victim much?

5 Recommend

Flag

Perla commented September 23

P

Perla

San DiegoSept. 23

He’s been singing about it all this time. Same with other rappers/musicians. Also, he couldn’t have acted alone. There is a whole underground culture that hopefully will begin to unravel. Yet another sad example of power in the wrong hands.

122 Recommend

Flag

3 Replies

Sports Michaelson commented September 23

S

Sports Michaelson

Los AngelesSept. 23

@Perla it’s the power, not who wields it. That’s why there’s so many people in power who dehumanize people and abuse them

1 Recommend

Flag

Sports Michaelson commented September 23

S

Sports Michaelson

Los AngelesSept. 23

@Perla it’s the power, not who wields it. That’s why there’s so many people in power who dehumanize people and abuse them

Recommend

Flag

Sports Michaelson commented September 23

S

Sports Michaelson

Los AngelesSept. 23

@Perla it’s the power, not who wields it. That’s why there’s so many people in power who dehumanize people and abuse them

Recommend

Flag

Bobbo commented September 23

B

Bobbo

ErieSept. 23

It's possibly an out of control groupie culture that has spilled into all kinds of damaging and violent behaviour. Sex, drugs and rock and roll says it best... all these things are openly available to music stars in unlimited quantities. Rock stars biographies will attest to this. And to these individuals regularly crossing the line with groupies lined up outside their dressing rooms. AIDs may have cooled things down .... it's absence probably added to the chaos of life on the road for these guys back then. So the warning shot will likely also go out to the groupies who look to get next to their idols , some in entirely transactional postures, that it's a dangerous game and that you may be feeding the monster. Otherwise it will simply continue like it has before when it's been called out or a light shone on it in the past.

8 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

Lorri commented September 23

L

Lorri

SeattleSept. 23

@Bobbo Groupie culture? You're blaming women for the violence inflicted on them. Those women...many of them far under 18 .... may have longed to meet famous male rock stars, but it's quite a stretch to infer that they longed to be drugged and raped. There's nothing in your post about holding these "music stars" accountable...only for women to 'stop feeding the monster."

14 Recommend

Flag

Rose commented September 23

R

Rose

ConnecticutSept. 23

NDAs have been enablers for bad behaviour of all sorts. This is long overdue, no one is above the law.

173 Recommend

Flag

Bob commented September 23

B

Bob

San FranciscoSept. 23

I’m not a fan of Diddy nor to I approve of anything he has done regarding the latest news cycle. However, if everyone participating was a consenting adult then there isn’t a crime. Just because someone wants a short cut to fame and fortune and bites off more than they can chew it doesn’t make them a victim.

14 Recommend

Flag

8 Replies

Barbara Lagrange> commented September 23

Barbara Lagrange>

Barbara Lagrange>

FloridaSept. 23

@Bob Not sure what you mean by " bites off more than they can chew" but sounds like you are implying, "No" cannot mean "No" if a female finds herself in a comprised situation with a male who made false promises... I was young and naive once...as you probably were, too.

96 Recommend

Flag

Please commented September 23

P

Please

USASept. 23

@Bob spoken like a true man. I grew up in the SF Bay Area in the 70's and early 80's and I can tell you, I was harassed by rock stars as a pre-teen when I babysat their children. I was harassed by rock stars when I served them dinner as a teen. I was harassed by rock stars when I worked at the bank they used as a young adult. It's a sense of entitlement for them.

227 Recommend

Flag

AngelaL commented September 23

A

AngelaL

ChicagoSept. 23

@Bob The point is, they did NOT consent.

120 Recommend

Flag

Denise commented September 23

D

Denise

Montreal, QuebecSept. 23

@Bob Women don’t want a shortcut to fame. They simply want the same chance at making it in the music industry as men. It sounds like you’re saying that women should expect to be sexually abused and accept it as the cost of becoming famous. Do you think that men are expected to pay the same price? Women who do speak up aren’t making fortunes or becoming stars. More often than not they’re blacklisted from the industry and face public censure. But despite all this, they speak up anyways. It’s almost like they’re human beings who are angry at this injustice and want to see it stop, if not for themselves, then at least for the generations of women who might want to work in the music industry in the future.

97 Recommend

Flag

DCC commented September 23

D

DCC

NYCSept. 23

@Bob: "However, if everyone participating was a consenting adult then there isn’t a crime." The problem is that the women were drugged and weren't consenting. They were also filmed and the videos were used to prevent them from speaking out.

28 Recommend

Flag

Jorge R commented September 23

J

Jorge R

BrooklynSept. 23

@Bob Women were drugged, raped, and beated. That's the literal definition of non-consensual.

14 Recommend

Flag

Caravaggio commented September 23

C

Caravaggio

St. LouisSept. 23

@Bob I guess you haven’t seen the security camera footage of Diddy savagely assaulting Cassie in a hotel. Definitely not consensual.

16 Recommend

Flag

Lawrence commented September 23

L

Lawrence

Washington D.C.Sept. 23

@Denise ''Do you think that men are expected to pay the same price?'' There has been, and probably still is, a casting couch for men.

4 Recommend

Flag

suzrush commented September 23

s

suzrush

Los AngelesSept. 23

To be a rockstar (or just wealthy and powerful) has always been equated with impunity. That is a large part of fame/power's allure. A music industry "Me Too" reckoning is overdue.

153 Recommend

Flag

Charles commented September 23

C

Charles

SCSept. 23

Hopefully bringing this abhorrent conduct to light will lead to it being investigated and punished. Followed by it being removed from society completely.

41 Recommend

Flag

Christine commented September 23

C

Christine

UWSSept. 23

NDAs are the root of all evils across all industries. Paying someone off to cover your crime is another way to victimize them. Victims only accept the terms of an NDA because they know they are powerless and will be hurt financially for reporting. This happens everywhere and we should have some legal way to release people. We need to hear all these stories if we want real change.

282 Recommend

Flag

Jon In NYC commented September 23

J

Jon In NYC

New York CitySept. 23

Read the lyrics of most hip hop and then tell me how this is surprising. While I enjoy the genre, the lyrics are frequently appalling.

339 Recommend

Flag

12 Replies

Lorri commented September 23

L

Lorri

SeattleSept. 23

@Jon In NYC And many women and some men have been complaining about the horrifying misogynistic rap lyrics for decades... and we were told over and over again by male critics that it was art and to quit complaining. The chorus of jeers when Tipper Gore raised this issue decades ago was really disturbing. Music critics rushed to defend them, make fun of her.

160 Recommend

Flag

Holly commented September 23

H

Holly

Las LajasSept. 23

@Jon In NYC Buying it, liking it , is enabling the genre and nornalizing its negative influence on young people. Besides it's being terrible musically, it's abetting a peverse culture so overwhelming that young people don't look for cultural influences that are positive and beyond the world it presents to them.

47 Recommend

Flag

Who cares commented September 23

W

Who cares

The world is lostSept. 23

@Jon In NYC I play violent video games and yet, I don’t go out and get into violent altercations. Blaming music or violent lyrics is a no win game.

8 Recommend

Flag

JustMe commented September 23

J

JustMe

CASept. 23

@Jon In NYC If the violent, abusive lyrics in hip-hop had targeted a racial group there would have been an immediate pushback. That they targeted women and girls and there wasn't a peep of protest says it all.

44 Recommend

Flag

winlor commented September 23

w

winlor

brooklynSept. 23

@Holly Years ago before I retired I had a male co-worker who had teenage sons. One rule in his home was, no song could be played that called women these horrible names.

12 Recommend

Flag

cornell commented September 23

c

cornell

new yorkSept. 23

@Jon In NYC Hip-Hop lyrics? How about Led Zeppelin lyrics? Pioneers in misogyny.

3 Recommend

Flag

Georgia Amar commented September 23

G

Georgia Amar

denverSept. 23

@Jon In NYC Why are people buying this trashy music? Stop financing insulting lyrics. Save your money for more important things. We have reached the hard bottom of cultural freedom. time for some serious editing.

7 Recommend

Flag

Uncomfortable Truth commented September 23

U

Uncomfortable Truth

MiamiSept. 23

@Jon In NYC Wholeheartedly agree! Everyone that acts surprised must have been under a rock since the early 2000’s and not watched any hip hop video. It’s not just confined to Diddy either. For goodness sakes, there are countless songs that glorify pimping, there’s one by Rick Ross that talks about spiking a drink with MDMA.. And while we’re investigating what is up with the defense attorney Agnifilo. Starting with the NxvM guy he seems to have a history of defending pervs.

9 Recommend

Flag

JustMe commented September 23

J

JustMe

CASept. 23

@Jon In NYC If these lyrics celebrated violence against a racial minority they would have been called out immediately. That they target women and girls and get a pass says it all.

20 Recommend

Flag

Nick commented September 23

N

Nick

NYCSept. 23

@cornell I heard this “song” the other day coming out of someone’s car, and had to look it up. I suggest you do the same—read what Marzville has to say in “Too Much,” and then get back to us about how terrible Zep is.

5 Recommend

Flag

Lynn commented September 23

L

Lynn

NJSept. 23

@cornell Which Led Zeppelin sings are you referring to?

4 Recommend

Flag

Rich commented September 23

R

Rich

CanadaSept. 23

@cornell I suspect that, in terms of coarseness and misogyny, Led Zeppelin lyrics about women wouldn’t hold a candle to what you can find in rap.

8 Recommend

Flag

Mask Of Comedy/Tragedy commented September 23

M

Mask Of Comedy/Tragedy

NortheastSept. 23

I feel the music industry has had this reputation for a very very long time. Not just a few decades but many. Maybe even over a hundred years. Maybe even longer than that. Yes, people turned a blind eye

56 Recommend

Flag

RE commented September 23

R

RE

New YorkSept. 23

Not a fan of rap, but walking in NYC, it is inevitable that I hear it. The lyrics are consistently and violently misogynistic. Why does anyone pretend otherwise? Some of it sounds like guidelines for exactly the behavior being attributed to Sean Combs.

459 Recommend

Flag

23 Replies

PH commented September 23

P

PH

NJSept. 23

@RE I recommend looking up the behavior (and lyrics!) of some well renowned classic rockers. This isn't just a rap problem.

152 Recommend

Flag

TW commented September 23

T

TW

OaklandSept. 23

@RE We have a blind spot for some people. We need their votes.

23 Recommend

Flag

RE commented September 23

R

RE

New YorkSept. 23

@PH: I don't think I said that it was. This is a story about a rap musician. Classic rockers have their own problems.

46 Recommend

Flag

merseysider commented September 23

m

merseysider

BostonSept. 23

@RE This. I switched to reggae and 70s dub.

7 Recommend

Flag

John commented September 23

J

John

San FranciscoSept. 23

@RE Have you ever played video games? They're consistently violent and misogynistic. Yet millions of boys play them and suffer no harm. Art isn't a how-to manual. We really need to hold people accountable for their own actions and stop blaming other things.

20 Recommend

Flag

RE commented September 23

R

RE

New YorkSept. 23

@John: Actually, no, I've never played video games. They sound pretty awful. I don't see art as a how to manual, and am still a huge fan of Woody Allen films. That's not what we are talking about here. The violence and misogyny of the lifestyle seems to be reflected in the music, not the other way around!

26 Recommend

Flag

10,000 Things commented September 23

1

10,000 Things

SeattleSept. 23

@PH Violence and mysogeny is deeply embedded in rap culture as expressed in the lyrics. Classic rockers have their issues with addictions, but I have no problem letting my grandchildren listen to "Stairway to Heaven." X-rated lyrics is an innovation from the rap industry.

35 Recommend

Flag

E commented September 23

E

E

Mid AtlanticSept. 23

@RE Ditto with most forms of popular music. Try looking at heavy metal or hard rock lyrics.

4 Recommend

Flag

Ram Samudrala commented September 23

Ram Samudrala

Ram Samudrala

ram.orgSept. 23

@10,000 Things But how about Knocking at Your Back Door by Deep Purple? One of my favourite bands but man ... or how about Fire in the Basement (also Deep Purple). There's a lot of rock like that. Hot for Teacher by Van Halen (especially the video - speaking of, consider Cherry Pie). Where do you draw the line between sexual suggestiveness and condoning of taking advantage? These days we're starting to see more women write songs like that also, where they are the ones in power. There also have been a lot of body count exposes by women over the decades especially during the groupie culture in the 70s.

13 Recommend

Flag

RE commented September 23

R

RE

New YorkSept. 23

@E: again, as in my reply to PH, this is a story about a rap artists. I didn't say heavy metal and hard rock artists don't present any problems.

8 Recommend

Flag

nectargirl commented September 23

n

nectargirl

new york citySept. 23

@TW You must be joking. As if this type of predatory behavior only exists among any certain group of people. Oh, wait, it does: men. Of every kind, in every walk of life.

25 Recommend

Flag

Zezee commented September 23

Z

Zezee

VermontSept. 23

@John Women also complain about misogynistic video games and misogynistic gamers. Misogyny is a problem. I suppose you don't have daughters or sisters.

17 Recommend

Flag

L commented September 23

L

L

Central CitySept. 23

@John I'm a female video gamer, playing a lot of big name games (Fallout series, Elder Scroll series, Elden Ring, COD series, MMOs, nintendo games, and many many more), and I see no misogyny in them? What are you talking about?

7 Recommend

Flag

Therese commented September 23

T

Therese

New Rochelle, NYSept. 23

@RE you're listening to 'industry driven' hip hop, that's the problem. That's the garbage that sells, as pushed by the industry executives, who are mostly white men. It has been the dumbing down of the real hip hop culture: unity, peace, love and having fun. Search for underground hip hop on YouTube or Spotify. Go back to the 'Golden Era' of hip hop (late 70's to mid-90's). I DO NOT listen to what passes for hip hop now, unless it's from the underground. Take it from a 63-year-old white woman.

7 Recommend

Flag

Lynn commented September 23

L

Lynn

NJSept. 23

@PH Yes some “classic rockers” did some bad things c. 50 years ago. And your point is?

1 Recommend

Flag

Regret commented September 23

R

Regret

CaliforniaSept. 23

@John The boys may suffer no harm, but girls and women will at some point. These messages to boys resonate deeply and for decades.

5 Recommend

Flag

DC commented September 23

D

DC

MDSept. 23

@John Of course it isn't. But if we believe that art is ultimately a form of self-expression of the artist's inner self or beliefs (and particularly in music, that's a very highly looked-for quality- "authenticity"), and that art contains misogynistic or degrading or violent messaging, exactly what are we supposed to conclude about the artist? And when that artist becomes massively famous and successful, and is idolized for his art by millions of people, exactly what impact should we expect that to have on his listeners? We can't value art with positive messages for its power to have a positive impact on the world and then pretend art with negative messages is powerless to have a negative impact.

1 Recommend

Flag

B commented September 23

B

B

AnywhereSept. 23

@PH The problems are just as bad in the classical music world.

1 Recommend

Flag

CCC commented September 23

C

CCC

GeorgiaSept. 23

@PH Classic is the phrase…

Recommend

Flag

Cloud2013 commented September 23

C

Cloud2013

MaineSept. 23

@John millions of boys play them and suffer no harm. Seriously, take a step back and look at the what you just said. Those kids idolize these rappers.

2 Recommend

Flag

Cloud2013 commented September 23

C

Cloud2013

MaineSept. 23

@10,000 Things Rolling Stones from Under my Thumb to Midnight Rambled. Just simple kids songs

Recommend

Flag

lou andrews commented September 23

l

lou andrews

Portland OregonSept. 23

@RE - groupies started with Frank Sinatra back in the 1940's.

1 Recommend

Flag

RE commented September 23

R

RE

New YorkSept. 23

@Therese: I'm not intentionally listening to any of it! And you don't have to tell me your age, race, or gender!

1 Recommend

Flag

TJK commented September 23

T

TJK

Hunt Valley MDSept. 23

Systemic sexism exists in all the equivocators and the equivocator business. It's been in business for centuries and is extremely well, alive and prospering in billions of $$$. Barbie is a good example of distraction by the way it was perceived and received by the public. The reality and surrounding talking points from artists was tolerated but completely unchanging of the status quo.

23 Recommend

Flag

Alan Einstoss commented September 23

A

Alan Einstoss

Pittsburgh PASept. 23

Various first hand accounts reveal that the problem is hardly centered upon the music industry.Unlike Weinstein ,whose investigation did concern certain film actors ,Combs affairs appears to be wide spread amongst the entertainment and political entities. As with Weinstein and Epstein there will be large scale coverups in play to disquise the large scale connections involved .

105 Recommend

Flag

1 Reply

KA commented September 23

K

KA

MaineSept. 23

@Alan Don’t forget the fashion industry and even academia.

25 Recommend