Diddy Is 'Capable of a Lot,' Says Source: 'He's So Powerful. Everyone Was Afraid to Cross Him' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sean “Diddy” Combs in January 2020.Photo:Steve Granitz/WireImage

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Sean “Diddy” Combsheld a lot of power in the entertainment industry — and apparently still does, even from behind bars.

The music mogul, 54, is currently in federal custody in Brooklyn, New York, after getting denied bail twice as he facesfederal sex trafficking chargesand multiple civil suits, but a source tells PEOPLE many individuals continue to fear his potential actions.

“He’s so powerful. Everyone was afraid to cross him,” says the insider. “Even though he’s behind bars now, he’s still so powerful. We all knew it even back then.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs in March 2018.Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / SplashNews.com

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / SplashNews.com

The source continues, “Everyone always chalked it up to being a creative genius when it came to his obsession with controlling things.”

The “Last Night” rapper has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, though he could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Sean “Diddy” Combs in October 2019.Scott Dudelson/Getty

Scott Dudelson/Getty

“He’s incredibly smart,” adds the source of Combs. “He knows a lot of people, and he’s helped a lot of people — so a lot of people owe him. He knows that.”

The insider says the Bad Boy Records founder “is capable of a lot — much more than people think, even now.”

Reps for Combs did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

In addition to the criminal charges, Combs is named a defendant in multiple lawsuits and couldface up to 120 moreafter high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee claimed that many more potential accusers were planning to file complaints.

Sean “Diddy” Combs in September 2017.Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

This week, Diddy’s mom Janice Small Combsreleased a supportive statement.“My son is not the monster they have painted him to be, and he deserves the chance to tell his side,” she said. “I can only pray that I am alive to see him speak his truth and be vindicated.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.

source: people.com