In November of last year, the former girlfriend of notorious music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cassie, came forward with years of sexual misconduct and numerous counts of abuse against him. Cassie filed a lawsuit detailing horrific claims including rape, trafficking, and domestic violence. This caused an uproar of nuance taking place all over social media, ranging from different people furthering Cassie’s claims to others invalidating them entirely.
Throughout the fueled controversy, many of Diddy’s celebrity peers who were very involved in his image chose to remain silent when the fire began. Big names such as Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Cambell, Jay-Z, and more have been heavily associated with him, but have yet to speak. The silence of these powerful figures only proves to be a danger to the victims coming forward, as well as the justice being served. In the months following Cassie’s lawsuit, there was a rise in the analysis of Diddy’s consequential impact on media and Hollywood. His decades-long built relationships with some of the foundations of the music industry caused his network of allies to come to his defense even under all the fire he is in.. As unfortunate and disappointing as it is to see these notable artists remaining silent or , this is not unique to him. Hollywood is used to the idea of the erasure of criminal activity and trauma. Especially at the hands of men in power; specifically those responsible for creating the image of high-powered individuals.
The reasons for this silence deals with the complexities that are deeply woven into the DNA of Hollywood. Diddy’s dangerous affiliations could cause a fear of retaliation in not only physical damage but also a stain on their careers. Diddy’s power has proven to shield him thus far, so much so that he has been protected from the consequences of his abuse for years. The conflict of interest can also emphasize how Hollywood is not an art but rather a business. Many artists have greatly benefited from their relationship with Diddy and his companies. If their silence was broken, their loyalty and moral responsibility could contradict one another. When they did put in their two cents on social media, most of them watered down the severity of the allegations.Recently actor and comedian Faizon Love spoke on Diddy’s arrest questioning why it’s an issue to begin with. Stating “ When has being nasty been a federal crime” which minimizes the gravity of the allegations being put against him.
The danger of these extremely influential celebrities’ silence is compliance in the horrific years of alleged abuse at the hands of Diddy. Hollywood has proven once again how it turns a blind eye to victims screaming to be heard. To change an industry woven in lies we need a voice on the top of the hierarchy fighting for those with none.
