Netflix's upcoming docuseries, 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning', scheduled to premiere on December 2, is embroiled in bitter controversy even before its release.

The conflict erupted publicly when a spokesperson for Sean 'Diddy' Combs issued a strongly worded statement calling the production a "disgraceful piece of propaganda" and accusing Netflix of relying on "stolen material whose distribution was never authorized."

What's behind the controversy?

The controversy centers on the use of Combs' personal recordings, some of which appear in the recently released trailer. In one of the clips, the music mogul is seen on a phone call six days before his 2024 arrest, saying, “We need to find someone to work with us who’s been in the dirtiest business,” according to Variety. Combs’ spokesperson argues that Netflix is ??using these words “out of context” and misappropriating a private archive that the artist has been compiling “since he was 19 to tell his own story, his way.” Furthermore, they claim that the archive includes “conversations with his lawyers that were never intended to be seen publicly.” In response to the accusations of misappropriation of material, a Netflix representative referred Variety to a statement from the docuseries director, Alexandria Stapleton: “We received it, obtained the material legally, and have the necessary rights.” Stapleton added that Sean Combs' legal team was contacted several times for an interview and comment, but received no response. The director also pointed out a key feature of the case: "Something that characterizes Sean Combs is that he's always recording himself, and it's been an obsession for decades." The statement from Combs' representative also takes aim at the show's executive producer,The rapper and former rival Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson. They describe him as “a longtime adversary with a personal vendetta who has dedicated far too much time to defaming Mr. Combs.” According to the statement, this decision constitutes “an unnecessary and deeply personal affront.” The text makes repeated references to Ted Sarandos, CEO of Netflix, indicating that Combs “has long respected” the executive and that he “expected justice from the people he respects.” For his part, 50 Cent has not missed any opportunity to mock the producer and assured that the documentary's release date remains unchanged.