A spokesperson for Combs issued the statement on Monday, shortly after Netflix released a teaser for the project. The clip includes a phone conversation recorded six days before Combs’ September 2024 arrest, in which he speaks about navigating what he describes as “the dirtiest of dirty businesses.” That conversation later became part of the legal case that resulted in Combs’ conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution. He was acquitted of more severe charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.

According to Combs’ team, Netflix improperly accessed and used portions of his personal archives—material he has collected since he was 19 with the intention of telling his own story. They allege the streaming platform presented his words out of context and handed creative control to 50 Cent, whom they describe as a longtime rival with a personal grudge.

The statement also criticised Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, claiming Combs had long respected him and expected impartiality from the company. Combs’ representatives argue the documentary is “fundamentally unfair and illegal,” asserting that private conversations—including discussions with his attorneys—were never meant for public release.

Netflix, through the series’ director Alexandria Stapleton, defended its approach. “It came to us, we obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights,” she said, adding that the production team “moved heaven and earth to keep the filmmaker’s identity confidential.” Stapleton also noted that Combs has a long-standing habit of filming himself and that repeated requests for comment from his legal team went unanswered.

Combs’ team maintains that Netflix is prioritising sensationalism over accuracy, exploiting his personal history for commercial gain while disregarding legal and ethical boundaries. The dispute underscores the ongoing battle over who controls Combs’ narrative as the docuseries approaches its release date.