Sean “Diddy” Combs is no longer a billionaire after losing a major business deal that once made him an estimated $1 billion. His fortune has fallen sharply due to recent legal troubles and the end of a lucrative partnership.
Diddy, a famous rapper and entrepreneur, is currently on trial facing serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. He denies all allegations.
Most of his wealth came from a long partnership with the alcohol company Diageo. They first worked together in 2007 to promote Cîroc vodka and later co-owned DeLeón tequila starting in 2013. According to court documents, Diageo paid Diddy about $1 billion over the years.
However, last year the partnership ended when Diageo bought Diddy out for $200 million. Before that, Diddy had accused the company of racism and neglecting his brands, but he later dropped his lawsuit in January 2024.
The end of this deal caused a big drop in Diddy’s net worth. Forbes now estimates his wealth at around $400 million, much less than the billionaire status he once claimed.
During his trial, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura testified that he gave her drugs and forced her into sex with male prostitutes. Diddy denies these claims and had settled a related lawsuit with Cassie for $20 million.
Kid Cudi, another rapper, also testified, accusing Diddy of having his car set on fire after he started dating Cassie.
Additionally, a hotel security guard testified that he sold video footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie to the rapper and received $100,000 for it, along with signing a strict non-disclosure agreement.
Diddy’s trial is ongoing.
