Advanced Television

P DIddy doc coming to BBC Three, iPlayer

April 23, 2025

The BBC has announced a new documentary, P Diddy: The Rise and Fall, for BBC Three and iPlayer.

Fronted by broadcaster Yinka Bokinni, the documentary explores the world that propelled Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to stardom – and the system that may have protected him for years.

For decades, Diddy shaped music. The three times Grammy winning Producer and Artist was a key pioneer of the commercialisation of Hip-hop. In his early 20’s, he formed Bad Boy Records. He brought Hip Hop to the mainstream working with, and shaping the careers of artists such as Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, J Lo, Biggie Smalls, and many more.

But now, Combs has been charged with criminal offences of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution and faces an upcoming trial in May. Prosecutors allege he “abused, threatened, and coerced women”. And that he created “a criminal enterprise” involving forced labour, kidnapping, arson and bribery. Diddy has strenuously denied all the charges and pleaded not guilty.

Bokinni (pictured) explores how Diddy has gone from being the world’s biggest Hip-hop mogul, to haemorrhaging friends and fans in a matter of months. She will map his extraordinary success and influence, and his far-reaching impact on music, fashion and culture – while meeting those close to him to understand what may have led to this very public disgrace.

Bokinni will examine how Diddy made it to the top, and what some may have turned a blind eye to along the way. Speaking to some of Diddy’s inner circle, and biggest critics, she will find out what they think about him. She’ll also ask why so many are only speaking out now.

Bokinni commented: “My job is to tell stories—but never did I imagine I’d be telling this one. Investigating the alleged actions of Diddy has forced a spotlight onto the darker side of an industry so many of us dream of belonging to. We sang his songs, bought into the lifestyle, watched the shows and wanted more. This has been an emotional, sometimes difficult experience. And with a trial on the horizon, what happens next will no doubt be gripping—in the most sobering way”.

P Diddy: The Rise and Fall (1×60’) is a Proper Content production for BBC Three and iPlayer. It was commissioned for the BBC by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three. Carl Callam is the Commissioning Editor for the BBC. Executive Producers for Proper Content are David DeHaney and Rachel Harvie. Produced and directed by Eddie Hutton-Mills, Amelia Ellis also produces and Bokinni is Associate Producer.

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