*Trigger Warning: This article discussed topics some readers may not find suitable or severely discomforting (Viewer discretion is advised).*
Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy, was a widely renowned Rhythm and Blues (R&B) artist, rapper and record producer before being detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution since pleading not guilty on September 17, 2o24. The once loved artist completely shifts his reputation from the top to the bottom, from gold bars to prison bars. This article delves into how his crimes affected people all over Los Angeles County, as far as people within this school. Patrick Reyes, a teacher at Mt. SAC Early College Academy, had some words to say about Sean and his schemes.
“I’m glad that our legal system is innocent until proven guilty, I think he’s innocent until proven guilty, so I don’t really have much to say on the subject, there are videos and stuff like that so we haven’t really seen any of that yet. But if he did what they say he did, then that’s pretty evil.” Reyes provides insight to how he believes that we are all innocent until proven guilty, including Combs and the alleged atrocities he’s committed.
Touching on the instances with relations Sean Combs has with celebrities, Reyes says, “That one kind of surprised me, like I would also probably be in my house and say that doesn’t really surprise me. Super rich people do weird stuff because they’re like, out of tune. Y’know they’d do weird things to entertain themselves and exercise their power.” Reyes suggests that he thinks most rich people usually get so out of tune due to their wealth and sometimes power that they end up becoming self-aware of their status, using it to their advantage, which sometimes may be of ill intention.
“I thought he was awesome, I mean, I grew up in the 80’s, so when 90’s music came out, he was like a different kind of rap star, there was Ice Cube, Run DMC, even Nas by himself, and then Diddy was more like pop/rap. I still like his music, but to me it’s just music.” Reyes once thought Combs was awesome and made good music until these allegations came out, completely shifting to his opinion on who Diddy really was.
“I was always neutral about what people said about him; you know rumors are everywhere, but he seemed like a regular pop star, like J-Lo, so I didn’t have feelings about him. “ Reyes delves into the concept of rumors spreading across celebrities and media, sometimes starting to tarnish their public image over time, as well as how he thought Combs was a regular person.
“I know there were a thousand bottles of what? Baby oil and like weird stuff and weird rooms, I get that, but I mean, my opinion is, try not to be with fake people in my mind. If you asked me on my couch, I’d ask how many other celebrities are doing now because of this.” Noting the recent findings of one thousand bottles of baby oil. Reyes suggests that he’s curious about the current status of various celebrities that’ve known Diddy one way or another, as well as how Diddy’s sudden downfall will affect them one way or another.
Looking at the situation as a whole, Reyes’ perspective gives us a look into just how widespread Combs’ alleged crimes were. Affecting people as far as Mt. SAC Early College Academy teachers and staff, excluding other celebrities, this tragic downfall will be remembered for years to come.
