Combs was reported to have utilized a group of individuals to track down Cassie every time she attempted to hide, urging her to come back. An executive from Bad Boy allegedly issued her an ultimatum: either respond to Diddy’s calls or risk having her music unreleased. This type of behavior reportedly began with the late Kim Porter, who disclosed to Essence that Combs would call her incessantly after their breakup, with Porter even stating that Diddy had fathered a child with another woman while she was pregnant. There were also accusations of infidelity on his part, including with Lopez.
Kirk Burrowes, a former president at Bad Boy, suggests that Diddy’s actions could be linked to past traumas, such as the tragic loss of his father at a young age due to a fatal shooting. Burrowes noted that Diddy is now fortified with wealth and influence, indicating that feelings of abandonment and departure can lead to severe repercussions, particularly for women who often bear the brunt of such behavior.
Roundtree and Dillon conducted interviews with over 50 individuals in the past six months for their piece in Rolling Stone, delving into their experiences with Combs. These interviewees ranged from former acquaintances to employees of Bad Boy to artists previously signed to the label.