A video clip featuring Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Justin Bieber has resurfaced online in the wake of Combs’ recent arrest and indictment.
The video shows the two appearing together on Jimmy Kimmel Live! when Bieber was just 16 years old. In the clip, they discuss their friendship, with some of Combs’ remarks now being seen in a different light given recent events.
During the interview, Kimmel asks how they became friends and whether they were collaborating on any music. Combs responds: “I think that we have become friends in a strange way,” comparing their dynamic to that of “Rob & Big,” referring to the relationship between skateboarder Rob Dyrdek and his bodyguard, Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin.
He goes on to say, “He’s like a little brother to a lot of us. He’s not afraid to call and ask for advice. The record industry is like a strong family, and we definitely have our arms around him. We want to protect him because he’s such a genuinely nice person, aside from his talent.” Combs adds, “He’s one of the greatest kids you could ever know.”
At one point, Kimmel jokes, “You know, Diddy bought his son a Bentley, maybe he could buy you one too while you’re at it.” Bieber, who is now 30, replies, “He got me a Lamborghini. I haven’t gotten it yet, though.” Kimmel follows up, “When is that coming? That Lamborghini. We talked about this last time.”
In a part of the interview that has gained renewed attention, Combs warns Bieber, “The Lamborghini for a day or two, and he had access to the house. And he knows better than to be talking about the things that he does with big brother Puff on national television. Everything ain’t for everybody.”
The clip’s resurfacing comes after Combs was arrested on September 16 and denied bail twice. He is currently facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which he has denied, even as 120 new accusers have since come forward.
Following Combs’ arrest, his attorney Marc Agnifilo told UNILAD: “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Agnifilo added: “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal.”
“To his credit, Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation. He voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. These are the actions of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
