In a recent interview, Usher voiced his support for Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence after being convicted on two prostitution-related charges. The singer emphasized that Combs has been “misrepresented” in the media.
During his conversation with Forbes’ The Enterprise Zone, Usher, 47, stated he holds no “negative” feelings towards the music mogul. When prompted to associate a word with Combs, he chose “Legacy,” highlighting the impact of the 56-year-old’s career.
Usher acknowledged that his perspective might be seen as “a bit controversial,” but he insisted on recognizing the historical significance of Combs’ contributions. “We can’t ignore the reality of the history,” he remarked, suggesting that some individuals face prosecution without due acknowledgment of their achievements.
“In many ways, I think certain people are prosecuted and maybe not recognized for the greatness that they offer,” Usher elaborated during the March 20 interview. He continued, “I don’t have anything negative to say about Sean Combs because my experience was not what the world has seen and how he’s been misrepresented.”
While acknowledging that no one is without flaws, Usher stressed the importance of recognizing Combs’ contributions to Black entrepreneurship and cultural transformation. “I can’t with any sense of humanity not recognize the valuable contributions that this man made for us as Black entrepreneurs, for us as businessmen,” he stated.
Having collaborated with Combs since his teenage years, Usher noted that “so many people benefitted” from the opportunities created by the record label owner. Referring to Combs as “Puff,” he described him as a mentor and likened him to “a really, really hard teacher.”
“That’s who I see that man as. And that’s what I choose to remember. I put respect on his name because I realized that what I learned as a businessman before I even understood what business was came as a result of seeing the incredible things that he was able to do and the way that he positioned himself as a businessman,” Usher added.
Combs has faced numerous lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, all of which he has denied. In October 2025, a federal judge sentenced him to 50 months in prison for two counts related to prostitution. His release date was later adjusted to April 2028.
In September 2024, the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment was indicted on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering but was acquitted of the most serious allegations. Usher’s interview sheds light on a different side of Combs amid ongoing controversies.
Watch Usher’s full interview below.
