Diddy’s music streams increased again after the legal allegations

In recent years, several powerful figures in the music industry, such as R. Kelly, Russell Simmons, and Axl Rose, have faced public backlash due to allegations of sexual violence. Yet, in many cases, their streaming numbers remained stable or even spiked in popularity. Sean “Diddy” Combs is now the latest controversial figure experiencing a surge in music streams despite facing serious allegations.

Accusations and Legal Consequences

Known for decades as a hip-hop mogul and founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs has recently lost at least 18 brand partnerships, a reality TV deal, and other business ventures amid mounting accusations, including a video of him allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. In September 2024, Combs was arrested and charged with federal sex trafficking and extortion. Currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his trial set for May 5, 2025.

Streaming Numbers Rise Amid Scandal

Despite the criminal allegations, Combs’ monthly listeners on Spotify jumped from 9.6 million in mid-September to 13.2 million a month later, according to Chartmetric. His YouTube views also increased by 7 million, reaching 700.1 million views in the same period. Data from Luminate reveals a nearly 50% surge in streams of his music catalog.

This phenomenon isn’t unique to Combs. When the documentary Surviving R. Kelly aired in 2019, streaming of Kelly’s music doubled, even as he faced convictions for sexual abuse. Similarly, album sales spiked 500% after his guilty verdict.

Why the surge?

Experts point to several reasons for these spikes. Serona Elton, a professor at the University of Miami, explains that curiosity often drives temporary streaming increases. “People see the news and wonder, ‘What kind of music does this person make?’” she notes. Streaming platforms allow listeners to explore an artist’s work without a genuine desire to support them. However, these increases often fade once the initial buzz subsides.

Eric Holt, a music business professor at Belmont University, adds that listeners may revisit an artist’s work to find clues about their alleged behavior. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify this phenomenon, with memes dissecting song lyrics for perceived hints.

Nostalgia also plays a role. Some fans may want to hear a beloved track “one last time” before disengaging from a controversial artist.

Support Amid Controversy

However, not all streams are driven by curiosity or nostalgia. Mel Stanfill, an expert on fan behavior, notes that some listeners may intentionally stream Combs’ music as a form of support. “There are likely individuals who don’t believe the accusations and use streaming as a way to back him,” they explain.

While the allegations against Combs continue to unfold, his streaming numbers reflect a broader trend where controversy paradoxically fuels interest in artists’ work, sparking debates about accountability and consumer behavior in the music industry.