Usher had nothing but good things to say when asked about his incarcerated friend, Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In an interview with Forbes, the singer of the song “Nice & Slow” was asked to name one word that comes to mind when he thinks of the founder of Bad Boy Records, who is currently in prison after being convicted of two counts of transportation for prostitution.
“Inheritance,” Usher, 47, immediately replied.
Forbes senior writer Jabari Young then asked what the pop star could explain to young children about avoiding the criticism that “appears” in Combs’ story today.
“I mean, this may be controversial, but in the same way I think a lot of people choose to look beyond the reality of what our country is, the levels we’re in now, we can’t ignore the reality of history,” replied Usher.
“But in many ways, um, I think certain people are persecuted and maybe disrespected because of the greatness, you know … that they give,” he added.
“I have nothing bad to say about Sean Combs because my experience was not what the world saw and how he spoke badly.”
Usher said he’s “not saying every man is perfect” and that he’s “without flaws,” but he can’t ignore the contributions Combs has made as a singer.
“I cannot with any sense of humanity not see the important contributions that this man made for us as Black entrepreneurs, for us as entrepreneurs, for us as people who change, you know, cultures and ideas into something tangible… and it becomes a business,” he said.
“A lot of people benefited from what he created … and I know that. That’s why I see him as a legacy,” Usher said.
The “OMG” singer, who became Combs’ childhood coach, called the disgraced hip-hop mogul a “really tough teacher” who he was able to learn from “in real time.”
“I put respect in his name because I realized that what I learned as a businessman – before I understood what business is – happened because of seeing the amazing things he was able to do and the way he put himself as a businessman,” explained Usher.
“There are trials and tribulations that come with the pressures of success and power,” he added.
“But what we choose to do with it is what I hope you’ll see with me and hopefully the other people I work with.”
Page Six reached out to Combs’ attorney for comment, but he did not immediately respond.
Last July, Combs was found not guilty of two counts of forcible sex trafficking, forgery or forgery and conspiracy to defraud. However, he was convicted of two counts of transportation for prostitution.
The “I Need a Girl” singer, 56, was sentenced to 50 months in prison and was transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, NY, to the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, NJ.
Page Six exclusively reported earlier this month that Combs’ release date from prison has been moved up from June 4, 2028, to April 25, 2028.
The ruler of “All About the Benjamins” is still facing a number of charges ranging from sexual assault and drug trafficking. He has maintained his innocence.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
