A major update has been issued in arguments over ‘stolen footage’ used in Netflix’s new P Diddy documentary, with a Sean Combs ‘documentarian’ speaking out.
The new Diddy documentary, produced by 50 Cent, has been the source of much controversy in the two weeks since it released on Netflix.
Between allegations that Diddy was involved in the death of Tupac, Marlon Wayans and 50 Cent getting into viral social media beef, and many discovering the decades long beef between 50 Cent and Combs, it has been a wild couple of weeks for rap fans.
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One of the biggest points of contention, however, has been claims from P Diddy’s team that shocking ‘unseen’ footage used in the documentary was actually stolen.
The documentary opens with a massive boom from the filmmakers: footage of P Diddy from last year arguing with his lawyer Marc Agnifilo.
In it Diddy calls for Agnifilo to hire ‘somebody that’ll work with us that has dealt in the dirtiest of dirty business’ to help with ‘propaganda’.
Diddy’s team released a blistering statement last week in which they claimed this footage was ‘stolen’.
Commenting after a teaser was shown on Good Morning America, a spokesperson for the rap mogul said: “Today’s GMA teaser confirms that Netflix relied on stolen footage that was never authorized for release.
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“As Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos know, Mr Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story, in his own way. It is fundamentally unfair, and illegal, for Netflix to misappropriate that work.”
Netflix and the documentary’s director, Alexandria Stapleton, have denied these claims, but now a P Diddy videographer has come forward, appearing to back up Diddy’s claims.
Per Deadline Michael Oberlies, a self-described P Diddy ‘documentarian’, the footage was authorised for release by a third party whilst covering him over a three day period.
He said in a statement: “The footage in question was not released by me or anyone authorized to handle Sean Combs’ materials; it was by a third party who covered for me for three days while I was out of state. This incident had nothing to do with any fee dispute or contract issue.
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“The actions of the parties involved reflect the lack of integrity every storyteller should uphold.
“Taking footage intended for our project to advance a narrative that was not our own is both unethical and unacceptable.”
P Diddy’s team have hinted that they may be looking to sue Netflix over the footage, saying in a prior cease and desist letter: “As you are undoubtedly aware, Mr. Combs has not hesitated to take legal action against media entities and others who violate his rights, and he will not hesitate to do so against Netflix.”
Speaking previously responding to allegations the footage was ‘stolen’ and other statements claiming 50 Cent and others involved had been influenced by their bias against Diddy, Netflix hit back. A spokespersons released a statement saying: “The claims being made about Sean Combs: The Reckoning are false.
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“The project has no ties to any past conversations between Sean Combs and Netflix. The footage of Combs leading up to his indictment and arrest were legally obtained.
“This is not a hit piece or an act of retribution. Curtis Jackson is an executive producer but does not have creative control. No one was paid to participate.”
LADbible group have contacted Netflix for further comment.
Topics: 50 Cent, Netflix, TV and Film, TV, Documentaries, Diddy
Michael Slavin