SAN DIEGO, USA — Will Smith publicly denied any connection to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ alleged crimes while addressing a crowd at the Observatory North Park theatre on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
The rare comments came during a performance promoting Smith’s new song, Tantrum.
Videos shared on social media show the Oscar-winning actor responding to internet memes linking him to Combs, who faces federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
“I haven’t addressed any of this publicly, but I just wanna say this very clearly: I don’t have s— to do with Puffy, so y’all can stop all them memes,” Smith, 56, said from the stage. “You can stop all of that bulls—.”
Smith, who has been photographed alongside Combs at industry events in the past, firmly denied any association with the music mogul’s legal troubles.
“I ain’t been nowhere near that man, ain’t did none of that stupid s—,” he said, adding, “If somebody says that, it’s a damn lie.”
@masonfletcher76 Will Smith a real one 💯 #trends #trending #Diddy #willsmith #willsmithslap ♬ original sound – Mason Fletcher
Combs Facing Federal Charges
Combs, 55, remains in federal custody in New York City after a September indictment on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced women into participating in “freak-offs,” which they described as “elaborate and produced sex performances.”
Authorities said raids on Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami in March uncovered drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, described by prosecutors as “freak-off supplies.”
Combs has denied all allegations. His legal team called the accusations “meritless” and criticised the media coverage as a “reckless circus.”
Despite this, Combs will remain in custody until his trial, scheduled for May 2025.
Smith Speaks Out
Smith addressed the online chatter tying him to Combs with a mix of seriousness and humour.
“I don’t even like baby oil,” he quipped to laughter from the audience, before emphasising,
“I usually don’t respond to dumbass stuff because it’s so many things. People say so much stuff. But that one — your memes was doin’ too much. Y’all was having me mad.”
Smith’s remarks follow similar denials from actor Jamie Foxx, who addressed rumours about his involvement in Combs’ notorious parties during his Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was….
“I left them parties early,” Foxx joked.
“I was out by 9. Something don’t look right. It’s slippery in here.”
Social Media and Celebrity Scandals
The viral spread of memes and conspiracy theories has brought increasing scrutiny on public figures linked to Combs, even peripherally.
While Smith’s comments may put an end to speculation about his involvement, the ongoing legal proceedings against Combs continue to generate headlines and public interest.
Smith closed his statement onstage by encouraging his audience to discern fact from fiction in the digital age: “The world we’re in right now, it’s really hard for y’all to discern what’s real and what’s true, you know?”
As Combs’ case heads to trial, both the allegations and the ripple effects on those within his orbit are likely to remain in the spotlight.
