BBC to air investigative documentary ‘P Diddy: The Rise and Fall’
The film will explore the world that propelled Sean "Diddy" Combs to fame and "the system that may have protected him for years"
By Emily Zemler
The BBC have announced a new documentary, P Diddy: The Rise and Fall, reflecting on the legal controversy surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs. The investigative piece, hosted by broadcaster Yinka Bokinni and directed by Eddie Hutton-Mills, will air in the U.K. on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on April 28.
The documentary “explores the world that propelled Diddy to stardom—and the system that may have protected him for years.” It will examine how the musician and music mogul “has gone from being the world’s biggest hip-hop mogul, to hemorrhaging friends and fans in a matter of months.”
“My job is to tell stories—but never did I imagine I’d be telling this one,” Bokinni said in a statement. “Investigating the alleged actions of Diddy has forced a spotlight onto the darker side of an industry so many of us dream of belonging to. We sang his songs, bought into the lifestyle, watched the shows and wanted more. This has been an emotional, sometimes difficult experience. And with a trial on the horizon, what happens next will no doubt be gripping—in the most sobering way.”
The BBC adds that “Yinka will map his extraordinary success and influence, and his far-reaching impact on music, fashion and culture—while meeting those close to him to understand what may have led to this very public disgrace. Yinka will explore how this case has been a significant topic of conversation across press and social media- with constant speculation and sometimes rumor. Taking nothing at face value, Yinka will unpack the interplay of power, money, corruption, and sexism, which underpins this story.”
The documentary was produced by Hutton-Mills and Amelia Ellis, and executive produced by David DeHaney and Rachel Harvie. Bokinni is an associate producer.
Combs was arrested last September and immediately pleaded not guilty to allegations he trafficked multiple women under a “criminal enterprise” that used violence, threats, and manipulation to fulfill his “sexual gratification.” The Bad Boy Records founder has been in custody ever since and repeatedly denied bail. Recently, Combs’ legal team requested a two-month delay to the trial. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian refused the request and said the trial will proceed as planned on May 5.