Usher had only positive things to say when asked about his incarcerated friend Sean “Diddy” Combs.
During an interview with Forbes, the “Nice & Slow” singer was asked to name one word that comes to mind when he thinks of the Bad Boy Records founder, who is currently in prison after being convicted of transporting to engage in prostitution.
Usher, 47, simply replied, “Legacy.”
Forbes senior writer Jabari Young questioned whether pop stars could explain to young children how to avoid the negativity that “appeared” in Combs’ story today.
“I mean, this may be a little controversial, but just as I think a lot of people choose to ignore the reality of what our country is like and the standards that we currently stand in, you can’t ignore the reality of history,” Usher responded.
“But I think in many ways, um, certain people have been indicted and perhaps not recognized for the greatness that they provide,” he added.
“I have nothing negative to say about Sean Combs, because my experience is not what the world has seen, but how he has been misrepresented.”
Usher said that while he is “not saying everyone is perfect” or “has flaws,” Combs’ contributions as a musician cannot be ignored.
“In my human sense, I can’t help but recognize the valuable contributions this man has made to us as Black entrepreneurs, as businessmen, and as people who turn culture and ideas into tangible things and turn them into businesses,” he said.
“So many people benefited from what he produced…and I recognize that too. And that’s why I think of him as a legacy,” Usher said.
The “OMG” singer, who mentored Combs as a teenager, called the disgraced hip-hop mogul a “really, really tough teacher” who he was able to learn from “in real time.”
“I honored his name because I realized that what I learned as a businessman was a result of seeing the amazing things he accomplished and how he positioned himself as a businessman even before I even understood what business was,” Asher explained.
“There are also trials and tribulations that come with the pressures of success and power,” he added.
“But what we chose to do with it is what I, and hopefully other people I’m involved with, would like to see as well.”
Page Six reached out to a representative for Combs for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Last July, Combs was found not guilty on two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and racketeering conspiracy. However, he was found guilty of two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution.
The “I Need a Girl” hitmaker, 56, was later sentenced to 50 months in prison and transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York to the Federal Correctional Facility in Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Page Six exclusively reported earlier this month that Combs’ prison release date has been pushed back from June 4, 2028 to April 25, 2028.
The “All About the Benjamins” host still faces dozens of lawsuits on charges ranging from sexual assault to drug trafficking and human trafficking. He continues to maintain his innocence.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call our Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
