NetflixSean Combs: The Reckoning is now streaming on Netflix, and in response the the documentary’s release, Diddy has released a statement calling the series a “shameful hit piece,” that’s both “unfair,” and “illegal.”
Produced by 50 Cent and directed by Alexandria Stapleton, The Reckoning tells the Sean Combs story across four episodes, with the official synopsis as follows:
“Sean Combs: The Reckoning is a staggering examination of the media mogul, music legend, and convicted offender. Through explosive, never-before-seen materials, including exclusive interviews with those formerly in his orbit, this documentary tells the story of a powerful, enterprising man and the gilded empire he built – and the underworld that lay just beneath its surface.”
All four episodes dropped today – December 2, 2025 – prompting Combs to hit back at the documentary makers.
Diddy claims Sean Combs: The Reckoning is full of “stolen footage”
Through a representative, the Diddy statement says: “Netflix’s so-called ‘documentary’ is a shameful hit piece. Today’s GMA teaser confirms that Netflix relied on stolen footage that was never authorized for release. As Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos know, Mr. Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story, in his own way. It is fundamentally unfair, and illegal, for Netflix to misappropriate that work.”
The statement later returns to the footage issue: “If Netflix cared about truth or about Mr. Combs’s legal rights, it would not be ripping private footage out of context – including conversations with his lawyers that were never intended for public viewing. No rights in that material were ever transferred to Netflix or any third party.”
Variety reached out to Netflix for comment on the matter, and received a quote from director Alexandria Stapleton: “We obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights. We moved heaven and earth to keep the filmmaker’s identity confidential. One thing about Sean Combs is that he’s always filming himself, and it’s been an obsession throughout the decades. We also reached out to Sean Combs’ legal team for an interview and comment multiple times, but did not hear back.”
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Diddy’s statement also criticises the fact that 50 Cent produced the film: “It is equally staggering that Netflix handed creative control to Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson – a longtime adversary with a personal vendetta who has spent too much time slandering Mr. Combs.
“Beyond the legal issues, this is a personal breach of trust. Mr. Combs has long respected Ted Sarandos and admired the legacy of Clarence Avant. For Netflix to give his life story to someone who has publicly attacked him for decades feels like an unnecessary and deeply personal affront. At minimum, he expected fairness from people he respected.”
Sean Combs: The Reckoning is now on Netflix, while you can head here for more documentaries streaming this month.