Sean Combs’ mother challenges Netflix series over claims about family and upbringing

Janice Combs disputes allegations in the Netflix series 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning' and requests retractions

Janice Combs has issued a detailed statement disputing allegations made in the Netflix docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning, describing the production as “intentionally misleading” and “offensive.”

Her comments were provided to Deadline on December 6 and address what she says are “falsehoods” concerning her relationship with her son and his early life.

She wrote that she was responding “to correct some of the lies presented in the Netflix Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” adding that claims about Sean Combs’ upbringing and family environment were “intentionally done to mislead viewers” and damage their reputation.

A key allegation challenged by Janice relates to a statement in the series from former Bad Boy Records executive Kirk Burrowes, who said Sean Combs slapped his mother after the 1991 City College tragedy, an incident in which nine people died. Janice described the claim as “patently false” and “outrageous.”

She stated that the day was “a very sad day for all of us,” and criticised Burrowes for what she characterised as an effort to use the tragedy to advance a past and current attempt to gain control of Bad Boy Records.

Janice also rejected the documentary’s portrayal of her as an abusive parent. She wrote: “I raised Sean with love and hard work, not abuse… Sean has always been an industrious, goal-oriented, overachiever.”

Sean Combs: The Reckoning premiered on December 2 and was executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The four-part series covers the rise and later downfall of the music executive, who received a four-year prison sentence in October after being found guilty on charges related to transportation for prostitution. He is currently held at Fort Dix FCI in New Jersey.

Netflix responded earlier in the week, stating to Deadline: “This is not a hit piece or an act of retribution. Curtis Jackson is an executive producer but does not have creative control. No one was paid to participate.”

Janice concluded her statement by requesting that “distortions, falsehoods, and misleading statements” be publicly withdrawn.