Column: Enough with the lube jokes. The charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs are no laughing matter

As a lifelong movie lover who has witnessed the rise and fall of many iconic figures, I can’t help but feel a sense of deep disillusionment upon hearing about the recent arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. It’s not just about the 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lube found in his properties; it’s about the allegations that he used his power and influence to systematically abuse and exploit people for years.

Everyone needs to stop talking about the lube. Right now.

The arrest of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is not about the 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lube discovered during the March raids on his Los Angeles and Miami properties; it’s about allegations of coordinated and documented physical and sexual abuse.

The focus isn’t on the parties dubbed “Freak Offs”; instead, it revolves around the accusations of long-term systematic manipulation, intimidation, and trafficking of numerous women.

The focus isn’t solely on Diddy; rather, it’s about the multitude of people who supported him, the masses who chose not to intervene, and the societal norms that have once again permitted the prolonged mistreatment of women and men. This culture has allowed such behavior to be an accepted secret for years as long as the offender is wealthy, influential, and powerful.

But sure, let’s make jokes about all that lube.

On Tuesday, a day following Combs’ arrest in New York City, federal authorities unveiled a 14-page indictment accusing Combs of offenses including sex trafficking, racketeering, and arranging prostitution. The document primarily concentrates on Combs’ “Freak Offs,” where prosecutors allege that Combs and his associates deceived female victims with offers of romantic relationships or career assistance, compelling their involvement through various means such as providing and administering drugs, managing their careers, wielding financial support, and threatening to withdraw it. Additionally, they allegedly used coercion and violence. (Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will stay in custody until trial.)

The indictment portrays the hip-hop megastar as more than just a man with a history of violent actions against women; it additionally alleges him to be the leader of an entity involved in ongoing criminal activities, due to the racketeering charge.

Furthermore, it outlines the proof gathered throughout the federal investigation that culminated in his apprehension and indictment, encompassing illegal substances, AR-15 firearms and ammunition, video devices filled with “Freak Off” clips, as well as over a thousand bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

It’s no wonder that baby oil and lubricant, rather than illegal substances, firearms like AR-15s, or the reported heinous crimes, quickly garnered public interest, especially on social media platforms. In fact, “Johnson & Johnson” soon became a trending topic.

50 Cent shared on Tuesday that he’s enjoying the company of Drew Barrymore, and he clarified that contrary to some speculation, there are no thousand bottles of lubricant at his house. The hosts of “The View” discussed this detail in relation to a recent indictment, but they emphasized that possessing lubricant is not illegal.

However, Sunny Hostin, the show’s legal expert, swiftly noted that this situation might serve as proof not only for the “Freak Offs” but also for other allegations. The indicament describes the “Freak Offs” as instances where Combs reportedly used force, threats, and coercion to make victims participate in prolonged sexual acts with male sex workers. He is also accused of supplying various controlled substances to the victims, which allegedly kept them under control, and secretly recording the sexual acts without consent.

The fact that an overabundance of lubricant is more conspicuous than accounts by multiple women of Combs’ sexual and physical abuse only underlines the larger problem. Seven years after #MeToo, many women remain reluctant to speak out about abuse they have suffered at the hands of the rich and powerful, and those who do often find that the public, instead of being more sensitive, has become inured and indeed more skeptical, especially of those who do not have “receipts,” including video. And the inability to leave an abusive situation or relationship is still too often equated with consent.

Previously, four women, including longtime partner Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed lawsuits detailing allegations of sexual and physical abuse against Combs. Additionally, producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones made similar accusations in a lawsuit. However, Combs denied all claims, suggesting that the plaintiffs were seeking financial compensation. This year, CNN released a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway, prompting Combs to issue an apology and admit he had sought therapy and rehabilitation.

Reflecting on the recent arrest of Combs, it seems that the widespread discussions on social and legacy media about his alleged actions have brought to light an all-too-familiar narrative – one where whispers of misconduct are often dismissed as “open secrets.” The unsettling truth is, as the cases of Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, and other high-profile figures embroiled in #MeToo scandals have demonstrated, the term “open secret” all too often translates to “when you wield enough wealth and influence, you can seemingly escape any accountability.

As I delved into Combs’ indictment, it became increasingly hard not to draw parallels with Gisèle Pélicot, a name that has resonated in the world over the past few weeks. Witnessing the proceedings of her ex-husband Dominque’s trial, who on Tuesday admitted to drugging and raping her for years, and dozens of others charged with similar crimes at his behest, I found myself deeply moved and disturbed. It seems that, much like Pélicot, Combs had been raising red flags for years, only to be ignored or disregarded.

Wondering how it is possible that seemingly ordinary men could be involved in such a heinous act? And why did those who might’ve noticed but ignored Dominique Pélicot’s chat-room invitation remain quiet? What caused others not to report this to the authorities?

Similar to the Pélicot case, Combs’ accusations encompass incidents over several decades and allegedly implicate numerous individuals, such as those working for him – this is why racketeering charges have been filed. Additionally, it’s claimed that Combs used nondisclosure agreements strategically, a tactic often seen in #MeToo cases. One might wonder if anyone involved in the elaborate planning of the “Freak Offs” (as described in the indictment) ever contemplated speaking out or anonymously reporting this to law enforcement?

Earlier this year, as reported by The Times, Combs has historically portrayed himself as a reformed outlaw – his main enterprise is aptly named Bad Boy Entertainment. An influential figure who significantly contributed to hip-hop’s cultural impact, he is a wealthy and influential individual who, prior to the recent surge of sexual assault allegations, was adept at brushing off adversity.

Just as Weinstein’s achievements (and boldness) overshadowed the whispers, there’s an air of speculation surrounding Combs – will he unveil other participants in the alleged “Freak Offs”? If these names indeed materialize, could they serve as ammunition for him amidst the fresh allegations? As a movie critic, I can’t help but wonder…

Just as Weinstein, Epstein and numerous others have shown, our society frequently struggles with acknowledging that individuals who are witty, kind-hearted, or talented enough to create masterpieces can also harbor unspeakable evil. Ignoring these contradictions, despite overwhelming historical evidence to the contrary, makes us complicit in becoming monstrous ourselves.

It’s natural to joke about 1,000 containers of lubricant — that is a hell of a lot of lube — but it shouldn’t be a substitute for or a distraction from what the charges actually allege: That a rich and powerful man used his business and many of his employees to systematically drug, assault, brutalize, threaten, kidnap and exploit people for years and call it a “party.” There’s nothing funny about that.

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2024-09-18 19:32