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Actor and rapper Ice Cube claimed P. Diddy is being targeted based on the slew of allegations and lawsuits against him. During his appearance on the PBD Podcast on Monday, July 15, 2024, the AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted musician discussed various topics, including his upbringing and relationship with the late Tupac Shakur.
At one point, Patrick asked O'Shea Jackson Sr. (a.k.a. Ice Cube) to comment on Sean Combs' (a.k.a. Diddy) legal troubles. Jackson explained that he was not surprised, stating that the hip-hop industry was like the "wild west." He stated that he believes the Bump Bump Bump rapper is being targeted:
"I believe someone has the power to pull the trigger to make this stuff, this domino effect, happen."
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As Jackson's comments went viral, netizens were left divided. One user criticized Ice Cube, stating:
Many argued that Diddy is facing scrutiny because he is actually doing the things he is accused of. Others slammed Jackson for showing support for a domestic abuser. Here are some comments seen under @balleralert's post on IG:
On the other hand, several users remarked that the N.W.A. rapper's statement was being misconstrued. They explained that Cube was not denying the claims against Combs but rather questioning their timing. Some argued that two things can be true— Diddy could be guilty and also targeted.
"He was cool up until a point, and this stuff started happening" — Ice Cube about Diddy's legal woes
Ice Cube discussed professionally working with Diddy on his War and Peace album, stating they made "some great music." The California rapper explained that after the project, he lost contact with Combs around 1994 as they were busy with their respective careers.
When the PBD Podcast host asked Cube to clarify, the XXX actor explained that he does not know enough about Combs' legal troubles to talk about the specifics. Stating that it is speculation on his part, Ice Cube added:
"I just know (that) he was cool up until a point, and this stuff started happening. So I believe somebody... Said 'Yo, he's our new guy we're on this year,' or whatever."
Ice Cube's comments come as Diddy continues to face legal troubles. Additionally, the Last Night rapper is the center of a federal s*x trafficking investigation.
It all began last November, when Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura sued the rapper for s*xual abuse and violence. While Cassie's lawsuit was settled the next day, several others filed suits against the music mogul on similar claims.
Combs denied all allegations against him in a now-deleted Instagram post, stating the claims were made by "individuals looking for a quick payday." He similarly alleged that he was being targeted, adding that he would fight the accusations.
However, in May 2024, CNN obtained surveillance footage from 2016 showing Diddy beating and dragging Ventura (the video aligns with the claims made in her lawsuit). Since then, the rapper has been harshly criticized. He also released an apology video (since deleted) addressing the footage.
Ice Cube has not publicly reacted to the backlash.
