Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, has spoken out forcefully in response to what she describes as “lies” and misleading narratives presented about her in a newly released four-part Netflix docuseries. In a public statement, Janice criticized the streaming platform and strongly refuted several claims regarding both her personal character and her relationship with her son.

The Netflix series, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, premiered just two months after the once-celebrated hip-hop mogul was sentenced to 50 months in prison, with time served, following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. Since its release, the documentary has sparked widespread controversy due to its graphic allegations and previously unseen footage detailing Combs’ rise to fame and subsequent legal downfall. Shortly after the series became available for streaming, a spokesperson for Diddy also condemned the project, suggesting that certain footage may have been obtained through questionable or illegal means.

Janice Combs Pushes Back Against Netflix’s Portrayal

“I am writing this statement to correct some of the lies presented in the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, released on December 2, 2025,” Janice Combs said in a statement shared with Deadline. She accused Netflix of deliberately distorting details about her son’s upbringing and family life, arguing that these portrayals were crafted to mislead audiences and further damage their family’s reputation.

The four-episode docuseries chronicles Diddy’s life from his childhood through his peak success and eventual criminal convictions. It includes disturbing allegations from former Bad Boy Records employees and cast members of MTV’s Making the Band. Janice claimed the platform relied on sensationalism to market the series, noting that it was executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, a longtime rival of her son—an association she believes undermines the project’s credibility.

Denying Allegations of Past Abuse

In her statement, Janice directly addressed a claim made by Kirk Burrows, a former associate of Diddy, who alleged that the rapper slapped his mother following the tragic City College stampede in 1991. Janice categorically denied the accusation. “The allegation that my son slapped me after the City College events on December 28, 1991, is inaccurate and patently false,” she said, emphasizing the gravity of that tragic day and calling the claim deeply offensive.

She also rejected suggestions that she herself was abusive, explaining that she raised her son as a single mother with discipline, love, and dedication—not violence. “I loved and nurtured Sean,” Janice said. “My memories of his childhood are of a respectful, diligent, and driven young man. Sean has always been goal-oriented and hardworking, even from a very young age.”

Calls for Retraction and Netflix’s Response

Janice went on to demand that Netflix publicly retract what she called “distortions, falsehoods, and misleading statements” made about both her and her son. Echoing her concerns, a spokesperson for Diddy accused the documentary’s creators of harboring personal grudges and presenting a one-sided narrative. They criticized the series for repeating unverified allegations without sufficient context or evidence.

Netflix, however, defended the production, rejecting the claims as false. According to statements cited by The Blast, the company asserted that all footage was legally obtained and denied that the series was intended as a hit piece. Netflix also clarified that while 50 Cent served as an executive producer, he did not exercise creative control, and no participants were paid for their involvement.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations Explored in the Series

Beyond examining Diddy’s family relationships, Sean Combs: The Reckoning delves into multiple sexual assault allegations against the father of seven. One of the most striking segments features Aubrey O’Day, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, who alleged that Diddy sent her sexually explicit and controlling emails during her time under his management.

Reading one message aloud, O’Day recalled Diddy writing about dominance and control in relationships—language she described as alarming and inappropriate. Later in the series, she also recounted a disturbing conversation with another woman who claimed to have witnessed O’Day being assaulted while heavily intoxicated, allegedly by Diddy and another unidentified individual.

The documentary has reignited debate around power dynamics in the music industry, accountability for alleged abuse, and the responsibility of streaming platforms when presenting sensitive and unresolved accusations. As public reaction continues to unfold, both Janice Combs and Netflix appear firmly entrenched in their opposing positions, ensuring the controversy surrounding the series is far from over.