Sean Love Combs, a.k.a Puff Daddy, is an American rapper, singer, producer, record executive, and actor. He was born on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York City, to teacher and model Janice Smalls and U.S. Air Force veteran Melvin Earl Combs. Puff Daddy was a business major at Howard University but left after two years. He returned in 2014 to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities and to deliver the 146th Commencement Address.
Puff Daddy also goes by “Puffy” or “Brother Love,” but he is more widely known as P. Diddy or Diddy. He said he got the nickname “Puff” when he was young because he would “huff and puff” whenever upset. Diddy put his name on the map in 1993 after he started Bad Boy Records. He eventually signed and produced for notable artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Usher. In 1997, Diddy’s debut single, “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down,” spent 28 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number one. Later that year, Diddy released No Way Out, his debut album.
Diddy kept his career alive and thriving, creating several successful albums and further signing on more artists. He eventually delved into acting and announced in 2016 that he would release his last album to focus on acting. In 2018, he made up his mind and said that he would be changing his name to Brother Love. The name change became official in 2022. In 2023, Diddy released his sixth studio album, “The Love Album: Off the Grid.”
Throughout the years, Diddy has constantly been the subject of controversy. Allegations of abuse and harassment have been made. Unfortunately, the persistence of these accusations may lead one to consider some form of truth. One of these controversies is the perpetuating rumor that Diddy is gay or bisexual. Is Puff Daddy gay? Let’s take a closer look at the rapper’s personal life and find out.
VOTE: What is Puff Daddy’s Sexuality?
Puff Daddy’s Dating History
Diddy has an extensive dating history, including women in the music, fashion, and modeling industries. Some of the notable names that have been linked to Diddy include model Naomi Campbell and singer Jennifer Lopez. Let’s take a quick look at Diddy’s past and current relationships.
Puff Daddy and Kim Porter (1994-1999) & (2003-2007)
Diddy began dating Kim Porter in 1994, and the couple immediately hit it off. Porter was reportedly the authoritative person in the relationship, and it was rumored that Diddy had a lot of trouble “controlling” Porter.
The first time I saw her, she was at the studio with her ex-boyfriend… I wasn’t trying to holler at her or anything, but I was admiring her—her lips, her eyes, her mouth, her shape, her energy—and thinking, ‘I wish I had a girl like that… She kind of made me nervous. She wasn’t like a New York girl. She was Bohemian, mixed with Georgia-peach hospitality. I got the idea she’d like doing stuff like walking barefoot in the grass. I didn’t think I could get her to like me. She was smooth, you know, like ice. She’s cool and collected and thinks before she speaks. You meet a lot of young ladies, and they just don’t do that. Kim was never pressed; she was always in control.”
P. Diddy, Essence Magazine interview, 2006
The couple split in 1999. They found one another again and rekindled their love in 2003 before splitting for good in 2007. Diddy and Porter had a son in 1998 and twin daughters in 2006. Diddy eventually adopted Porter’s son from an earlier marriage. Unfortunately, Porter passed away in 2018.
Puff Daddy and Jennifer Lopez (1999-2001)
Jennifer Lopez and Diddy began dating in 1999 while the rapper and Porter were still together. Lopez was reportedly the reason for the split. Lopez and Diddy were together for two years and were considered one of the highest-profile romances of the 90s. The couple announced the end of their relationship in 2001 on Valentine’s Day. Lopez revealed in an interview that she ended things because she didn’t think she’d get the family life she wanted with Diddy.
Puff Daddy and Naomi Campbell (2001-2002)
Rumors of Naomi Campbell’s involvement with Diddy started when the couple were photographed together in British Vogue in 2001. Rumors persisted that the couple was going steady by 2002, but they never confirmed a relationship. Campbell and Diddy were never spotted together since.
Puff Daddy and Cameron Diaz (2008)
Diddy and Cameron Diaz had a short-lived fling for a year. The actress and Diddy were spotted several times together in public. Diddy admitted to being in a relationship with Diaz but stated it was a quick romance.
Puff Daddy and Lori Harvey (2019)
Steve Harvey’s daughter, Lori Harvey, was linked to Diddy in mid-2019. Diddy and Harvey were spotted several times together, and Diddy was even spotted on vacation with the Harvey family in Italy. Though never confirmed to be together, the couple reportedly split in October.
Puff Daddy and Yung Miami (2022)
Rapper and actress Yung Miami was linked to Diddy as recently as June 2022. Diddy maintained he was single but admitted that he was dating. He said he didn’t want to make any announcements because he was taking things slow. In April 2023, Miami confirmed they were no longer dating but remained good friends.
50 Cent VS. Puff Daddy
Rumors surrounding Diddy’s sexuality mainly persist due to 50 Cent and his ongoing rivalry with the rapper. 50 Cent had taken to Instagram, posting several photos of Diddy with suggestive captions. One photo was of Diddy and a man hugging while wearing pink. Another photo was of Diddy and Rick Ross. Because of the awkward angle, Diddy and Ross looked like they were about to kiss. 50 Cent’s Instagram post, which was soon deleted, was captioned with: “I ain’t saying nothing, but something ain’t right.”
Puff Daddy’s Success in the Industry
Though often shrouded in controversy, one apparent thing is Diddy’s talent. He’s won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards during his career. He’s also been nominated for the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for Menswear of the Year in 2000 and won the award in 2004. In 2022, Forbes estimated Diddy’s net worth at about $1 billion.
Is Puff Daddy Gay?
No, Puff Daddy is not gay. Diddy has supported the LGBTQ+ Community numerous times, but this does not translate to any confirmation. The rumors about Diddy being bisexual or gay have always been dismissed; Diddy often laughs them off, saying they are lies or jokes.
Featured Image: “Puff Daddy”, by Shamsuddin Muhammad, licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED