Tyrese Gibson took to social media on Wednesday to share a message of support for Sean “Diddy” Combsamidst the music mogul high-profile legal troubles and allegations of abuse and sex trafficking.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Tyrese shared a black and white photo of Diddy, alongside a lengthy post praising him for his “legendary parties and events,” which drew scathing and instant criticism from others on social media.
“What I cannot and will not do is minimize the laughter, the fun, the energy, the inspiration, the awards, the studio sessions, the parties and the most legendary events I have ever attended in my life. ” Tyrese wrote in the caption. “And I also can’t act like the backyard parties at my high school in South Central Los Angeles weren’t the wildest parties ever because of Bad Boy on a string of records Of success.”
“I do not condone or support abuse, bullying, sexual assault or anything that is currently being alleged,” Tyrese continued, “but what I cannot do is close the curtain on how much this means to me and all of us, and what he did for the music and cultural community.”
Tyrese claimed he was simply saying what many others are afraid to say in support of Diddy.
“Don’t worry, I’m the only one crazy enough to jump in there and say what most of you want to say but don’t have the courage to do it,” Tyrese wrote, in the post that he quickly removed after sharing. “Because it’s very normal for people to go through a rough patch and we all sit around and make fun of it, but I’m not going to do that.”
He added that he is “praying for Diddy, his children, his family, his mother and all the alleged victims who are trying to simply make their voices heard.”
“I love this brother, he’s been very kind and generous to me and that’s how I feel,” concluded Tyrese. “Praying and praying for a better outcome to all of this is happening. God bless you, Diddy, if you need to call me and just need an ear (ear), I’m here, bro.”
Tyrese’s message of support and thanks comes just days after federal agents broke into Diddy’s houses in Los Angeles and Miami in what Homeland Security Investigations said was part of an ongoing investigation. It has been reported that the investigation, led by the Southern District of New York, is linked to allegations of sex trafficking.
The raids came four months after R&B singer Cassie Ventura sued Diddy and accused him of rape, among other allegations of wrongdoing. Although the rap mogul settled the lawsuit within 24 hours, it triggered a litany of additional allegations of sexual misconduct from several other accusers.
It remains unclear whether the series of lawsuits Diddy is facing is linked to the federal investigation.
In a statement to ET, Diddy’s attorney Aaron Dyer criticized the feds for their “excessive use of military-grade force” amid executing search warrants.
“There is no excuse for the excessive display of force and hostility shown by authorities or for the way their children and employees were treated,” Dyer continued. “Mr. Combs was never detained, but he spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members were arrested, nor was their ability to travel restricted in any way. This ambush without precedents – paired with an advanced and coordinated media presence – leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on baseless accusations made in civil proceedings. these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every day to clear his name.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233or go to thehotline.org. All calls are free and confidential.
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