Diddy's Filmmaker: Netflix Footage Was Stolen

A filmmaker who documented Sean "Diddy" Combs for two years has publicly stated that Netflix illegally obtained footage of the music mogul in the days before his arrest. Michael Oberlies, the documentarian, claims a third party, not authorized to handle Combs' materials, provided the footage to Netflix. He insists this incident was unrelated to any contract disputes.

Oberlies' statement comes as Netflix's four-episode documentary, which includes candid scenes of Combs, has been a subject of intense discussion regarding its source material. The streaming giant and the documentary's director have maintained that the footage was secured through legal means. However, Combs' legal team had previously issued a cease and desist notice to Netflix, accusing the streamer of copyright violations and calling the documentary a "hit piece."

Despite legal threats from Combs' representatives, no further action has been taken against Netflix since the documentary aired. The director of the documentary has reiterated that all obtained footage was legally acquired and that they went to great lengths to protect the filmmaker's identity. Combs himself is noted in the footage to be extremely active in managing his public image, even instructing his legal team on media strategy.