Netflix Backs Ted Sarandos Against Diddy’s Threats, Denies Hit Piece in 50 Cent Docuseries

UPDATED with statement from Netflix: Less than 24 hours following the release of Sean Combs: The Reckoning on Netflix, the platform, overseen by Ted Sarandos, has criticized Combs for his accusation that the docuseries, produced by 50 Cent, is a form of “corporate revenge,” a claim made by Combs’ legal team.

“Assertions made about Sean Combs: The Reckoning are untrue,” stated a Netflix representative to Deadline on Tuesday evening.

In a legal notice dated December 1, Combs’ lawyers argued that after failing to coerce the now-imprisoned Grammy-winning artist to partake in a documentary under Netflix’s control, Co-CEO Sarandos resorted to appointing Combs’ adversary, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, in what they describe as a spiteful move. They further claimed that 50 Cent compensated individuals to defame Diddy, and that incriminating footage of Combs from the prior year had been illicitly obtained.

As Combs prepares to pursue legal action, Netflix insists these allegations are completely baseless.

“The documentary is not linked to any prior dialogues between Sean Combs and Netflix regarding different projects,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing that the footage used in the documentary leading up to Combs’ arrest was acquired legally.

“This documentary is neither a smear campaign nor an act of vengeance. Curtis Jackson served as executive producer but did not influence the creative direction. No payments were made for participation,” the representative explained.

Clearly stated, yet it appears a fifth episode to the four-part Reckoning series may play out in court.

EARLIER, 3:19 PM PT: It appears the real power behind Sean Combs: The Reckoning is none other than Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, at least according to Diddy and his legal team.

“Choosing Mr. Jackson as the producer was Netflix’s way of punishing Mr. Combs for not conforming to their demands,” stated the December 1 cease-and-desist letter sent from Combs’ attorneys to Netflix’s chief legal officer, David Hyman.

“In 2023, CEO Ted Sarandos proposed a documentary about Mr. Combs, which he declined after Sarandos demanded relinquishing creative control,” detailed the extensive letter, which also noted that Sarandos had attended Combs’ 50th birthday in 2019. “Therefore, appointing Mr. Jackson as the producer was a spiteful move by Netflix and Mr. Sarandos, aiming for a biased character portrayal rather than an impartial one.”

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The letter harshly criticizes the portrayal of Combs in the series, highlighting his alleged criminal activities and other serious accusations, and suggests that Sarandos and Netflix’s choice was a blatant act of retaliation against Combs, framing it as one famous black man targeting another.

This legal scuffle paints a grim picture of the ongoing feud between Combs and 50 Cent, with the latter having publicly antagonized Combs even before his arrest in September 2024 and subsequent trial. Following Combs’ arrest, 50 Cent announced his intention to produce a documentary on his rival, further fueling their long-standing rivalry.

RELATED: Trump Rethinks Possible Diddy Pardon Amid Concerns of MAGA Backlash

Meanwhile, Combs is currently serving time at the low-security Fort Dix FCI in New Jersey, with a scheduled release in June 2028. With ongoing investigations and a bleak chance for a presidential pardon, the situation remains tense.

Despite allegations of stolen and incriminating pre-arrest footage by Combs’ team, the controversial documentary was released as scheduled by Netflix. Combs’ legal representatives are now considering their next steps in response to the series’ content.

Asked for comment, Netflix reiterated its previous statements, denying any wrongdoing and maintaining that the footage used was legally sourced and rightfully used.

As the documentary makes its debut, its performance remains under wraps, though it is expected to appear on Netflix’s Top 10 list soon, indicating its widespread appeal and the significant attention it has garnered.

What started as a series of legal notices may quickly escalate into a full-fledged courtroom drama, adding another chapter to Combs’ already tumultuous legal battles.