So, the decision is in.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been acquitted of essentially the most critical federal costs—racketeering and intercourse trafficking—however was discovered responsible on two lesser costs: transportation of former girlfriends for prostitution. Whereas some in his nook are calling this a “victory,” there’s nothing victorious a couple of man discovered responsible of exploiting the ladies who beloved and supported him, girls that he coerced to dwell a life-style they honestly weren’t into. There’s no parade coming for a predator and when you’re out right here cheering for Diddy like he simply beat the system, then congratulations—you’re formally a bozo.
Regardless of the dramatic shift in costs for the conviction, Combs will stay in custody till his sentencing this fall, with prosecutors searching for a four- to five-year jail sentence. Many have taken to social media to precise their opinion on the decision.
What’s wild is what number of people have hopped on-line to defend him, utilizing the identical drained tropes to deflect accountability: “They’re making an attempt to deliver down one other profitable Black man,” or “That is simply the system at work in opposition to us.” However the actuality is that this: there was no grand conspiracy to take down Diddy. The person didn’t attempt to take him down; his decisions did. What occurred right here was the sluggish collapse of a long-standing, closely curated phantasm.
He’s a predator who ought to have gotten locked up and will stay behind bars for the years of home violence he inflicted upon a younger girl he actually groomed—however there’s no outrage. His supporters aren’t contemplating the truth that regardless of his authorized clearance, all of us noticed the video.
The brutal surveillance footage of Diddy attacking Cassie in that resort hallway was not up for debate, interpretation, or conspiracy theorizing. It was violence—plain and easy. No enhancing. No agenda. Only a predator caught within the act. But by some means, individuals nonetheless discover the power to defend him, framing it as some type of cultural persecution for his affinity for Freak-offs, when it was actually a struggle for justice for individuals who had been silenced for too lengthy.
Diddy wasn’t some misunderstood visionary unfairly focused. He was a grown man who made calculated decisions over a long time—decisions to groom, abuse, harass, and intimidate women and men. Simply because he escaped conviction on essentially the most extreme costs doesn’t imply he’s harmless. It means the justice system labored because it often does for the wealthy and linked; it gave him a softer touchdown.
Nonetheless, no quantity of child oil goes to clean over the stain on his legacy. That Unhealthy Boy co-sign? Nugatory. The trade is already conserving its distance, and even his so-called pals have been nowhere to be seen throughout his trial, as a result of everybody is aware of that affiliation is forex, and nobody desires to money a examine signed in scandal and accompanied by aspect eyes.
Diddy’s energy didn’t simply evaporate—it was stripped from him as a result of individuals lastly stopped wanting away. And no, this isn’t the identical as a few of the political takedowns we’ve seen. Donald Trump’s impunity is powered by a damaged, racist system that was by no means designed to carry him accountable. Diddy had our tradition behind him—till he abused it. Till he abused us.
Essentially the most disheartening reality is that when once more, people tripped over headlines, ignoring info and sending a message loud and clear that ladies aren’t protected as a result of males are out right here scorned. The identical power that allowed Tory Lanez to proceed harassing Megan Thee Stallion is again in full power—this time, applauding a person who was actually caught on digicam assaulting his associate.
The general public assault with no motion from these identical males who like to be loud and improper was utilized by the Trump marketing campaign final election season to taint the picture of then-presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, as soon as once more proving that there’s a critical dialogue that must be had amongst Black individuals and it’s about requirements.
It’s time we cease complicated “cool” with character. Diddy will not be a cultural martyr; he’s a cautionary story, and it’s time our group recalibrates its requirements. Someplace alongside the best way, we’ve gotten misplaced on this poisonous pursuit of clout, money, and assimilation.
There’s nothing “corny” about Cassie’s husband standing beside her throughout weeks of grueling public scrutiny whereas she was visibly pregnant. However there’s something deeply corny—and admittedly pathetic—a couple of 55-year-old mogul mendacity via his tooth, nonetheless pretending to be “performing dangerous,” all whereas hiding from accountability till proof pressured his hand. At this huge age, when you can’t admit your wrongs and make peace with the implications, then what are we actually defending?
That previous “dangerous boy”, “tough neck,” and newly rebranded “YN” ideology is performed out. We have to train our younger males to be greater than performers of masculinity; they need to be protectors of fact, defenders of ladies, and warriors for justice. We even have to show our younger girls to not settle, how one can assist each other when confronted with the challenges of coming ahead, and the way to not be so determined to be desired that they throw one other girl beneath the bus and victim-blame her for consideration.
Because the incomparable Lauryn Hill as soon as mentioned: “The way you gon’ win while you ain’t proper inside?”
This isn’t only a Diddy subject; it’s actually a tradition examine stating that the time for therapeutic, reckoning, and actual development is now. As a result of if we’re going to maneuver ahead as a group, it begins with holding all of us accountable, particularly those we as soon as known as kings.
SEE ALSO:
Why Sean Combs Was By no means Going To Be Totally Held Accountable [Op-Ed]