As Sean “Diddy” Combs faces federal charges for sex trafficking and racketeering, controversy is brewing beyond the courtroom. Alleged protestors outside the New York courthouse claim they were offered cash to wear shirts that say “Free Diddy” or “Free Puff.”
Journalist Emilie Hagen, who’s been covering the trial, shared a video on Instagram of a woman who said she refused to wear a shirt for $20. Another claimed they were paid $60 to stand outside for three hours.
Some online commenters believe the campaign may be exploiting unhoused individuals to create the appearance of grassroots support.
Promo or protest?
According to one individual in Hagen’s video, the payment was “for a Diddy coin” — an apparent reference to the meme cryptocurrency $DIDDY, launched on May 8 by Diddy’s sons, Justin and King Combs.
The official @diddymemes X account confirmed the coin’s launch and announced a $5,000 contest for the best Diddy meme. The token aims to rally cultural and community engagement, though the marketing approach has sparked criticism.
Rocky launch for $DIDDY
Despite the hype, $DIDDY got off to a bumpy start. The coin’s official account tweeted that the token was “sniped and dumped by an unknown wallet” — a move that likely impacted its early price performance.
Crypto News defines sniping as a rapid strategy used by traders to exploit price swings and inefficiencies, especially in newly launched tokens.
50 Cent weighs in
Rapper 50 Cent, an outspoken critic of Diddy, posted about the situation on Instagram.
“Diddy paying people to wear Free Diddy shirts is diabolical, but $20 a hour ain’t bad. I might go throw that on for a hour tomorrow. LOL.”
Trial developments
Inside the courtroom, testimony continues. Last week, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, testified against him. On Monday, May 19, NBC News reported that singer Dawn Richard of Danity Kane told the court she witnessed Combs assault Ventura. He allegedly attacked her with a skillet full of eggs.
Another one of Ventura’s close friends also testified, sharing similar accounts of abuse, while a former personal assistant to Combs shared an emotional testimony. An executive allegedly told him, “This is Mr. Combs’ kingdom, and we are all here to serve in it.”
