So, the decision is in.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been acquitted of probably the most severe 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 few man discovered responsible of exploiting the ladies who liked and supported him, girls that he coerced to stay a way of life they really weren’t into. There’s no parade coming for a predator and for those who’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 4 to five-year jail sentence. Many have taken to social media to specific 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 convey down one other profitable Black man,” or “That is simply the system at work towards 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 one way or the other, individuals nonetheless discover the vitality to defend him, framing it as some form of cultural persecution for his affinity for Freak-offs, when it was actually a battle 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 many years—decisions to groom, abuse, harass, and intimidate women and men. Simply because he escaped conviction on probably the most extreme costs doesn’t imply he’s harmless. It means the justice system labored because it normally does for the wealthy and related; it gave him a softer touchdown.
Nonetheless, no quantity of child oil goes to easy over the stain on his legacy. That Dangerous Boy co-sign? Nugatory. The business is already retaining its distance, and even his so-called buddies have been nowhere to be seen throughout his trial, as a result of everybody is aware of that affiliation is foreign money, and nobody desires to money a test 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 trying away. And no, this isn’t the identical as a number 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.
Probably the most disheartening truth is that when once more, people tripped over headlines, ignoring details and sending a message loud and clear that ladies aren’t protected as a result of males are out right here scorned. The identical vitality 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 digital camera assaulting his accomplice.
The general public assault with no motion from these identical males who like to be loud and fallacious 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 severe dialogue that must be had amongst Black individuals and it’s about requirements.
It’s time we cease complicated “cool” with character. Diddy isn’t a cultural martyr; he’s a cautionary story, and it’s time our neighborhood 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 albeit pathetic—a few 55-year-old mogul mendacity by way of his enamel, nonetheless pretending to be “appearing unhealthy,” all whereas hiding from accountability till proof pressured his hand. At this large age, for those who can’t admit your wrongs and make peace with the results, then what are we actually defending?
That outdated “unhealthy boy,” “rough-neck,” and newly rebranded “YN” ideology is performed out. We have to educate our younger males to be greater than performers of masculinity; they need to be protectors of fact, defenders of girls, and warriors for justice. We even have to show our younger girls to not settle, learn how to 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 stated: “The way you gon’ win whenever you ain’t proper inside?”
This isn’t only a Diddy concern; it’s actually a tradition test declaring that the time for therapeutic, reckoning, and actual development is now. As a result of if we’re going to maneuver ahead as a neighborhood, 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]