Sean “Diddy” Combs’ arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering has people asking questions about who was involved in these alleged crimes and why a man with so much to lose would take such a big risk. Former Death Row Records boss Suge Knight has a unique perspective on Diddy’s situation.
In an interview with Newsnation’s “CUOMO,” Knight gave his opinion on what Combs’ prison life might look like. The former music exec detailed why Diddy might not be safe, noting that other inmates could be looking to gain attention off the rapper/producer’s name.
“I don’t care who you are, prison in jail is a negative environment, somebody can do something to them and get a name for they self,” he told Chris Cuomo. “They’re going to actually do it, or they can do whatever they feel they gotta do to prove they self.”
Though Knight claimed he holds no ill will toward Diddy and doesn’t consider them enemies, the two men were notably on opposite sides of the east coast/west coast rap beef. Despite this history, he explained why he’s not celebrating his onetime rival’s downfall.
“I don’t jump up and down and cheer no Black man going to prison. People think prison is always the answer. I’m not saying a lot of people don’t deserve to do their time,” Knight said. “That’s not no cheerful thing, because that man have kids, and whatever affects him, definitely affects his kids. I know there’s a lot of victims involved in it, and whatever affects them, affects their kids.”
Knight speculated that the root of Diddy’s issues may stem from him allegedly being abused when he was starting out in the business. He name checked several influential executives, including Jimmy Iovine, Russell Simmons, Clive Davis and Andre Harrell. It’s worth noting that none of Knight’s claims have been proven or confirmed. While speaking to Page Six, Davis’ spokesperson denied all of Knight’s accusations.
“This is a completely fabricated thread that is being trafficked by an incarcerated felon,” the rep said. “Mr. Knight’s assertions about Clive Davis are 100 percent false as nothing of the sort ever happened. Clive is a mentor to artists and, in keeping with this, never ever condoned any such inappropriate behavior.”