Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 16, 2025 · Entertainment

The Shadow Over Diddy's Trial: How His Late Father Melvin Combs Could Explain It All

Diddy was just three at the time, but Melvin's early passing did not stop the rap mogul from finding parts of himself in his father's hustler history. He has previously admitted he is 'definitely' similar to his father, claiming to share his 'hustler's mentality, his hustler's spirit, his drive, his determination, his swag'. Pictured: Melvin, Janice and a baby Sean Combs

The Scandalous Life of Sean "Diddy" Combs: Uncovering the Dark Past that Led Him Down a Path of Depravity

As the world watches in shock, Sean "Diddy" Combs, the 55-year-old rap mogul, stands trial for sex trafficking charges in New York. But one man is noticeably absent from his side - his late father, Melvin Combs. And it's this very absence that may have played a significant role in shaping Diddy's life of debauchery.

Melvin was the original "bad boy," a gangster affiliated with notorious mobster Frank Lucas, famously portrayed by Denzel Washington in American Gangster. Tragically, Melvin's life was cut short at just 33 years old when he was assassinated while sitting in his car in New York City.

As Sean 'Diddy' Combs stands trial for sex trafficking and racketeering, salacious stories about his life are being laid bare before the entire world. Diddy is pictured at his birthday celebration in 2009 at at The Plaza Hotel in New York City

Psychologists have suggested that Melvin's "gang affiliation" and absence may have influenced Diddy's later life of reckless abandon. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist from Michigan, explained, "Biological parents can influence our lives even when they are physically distant or did not raise us... People absorb parents' physical and psychological attributes thanks to genetic inheritance."

Diddy has previously admitted that his father's success in the drug trade inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship, claiming, "I'm just doing it in a legal way." But experts believe that Melvin's legacy may have also contributed to Diddy's drive for power and closeness with his own children.

The music mogul grew up believing Melvin died in a car crash, but only learned of his father's assassination after digging into his past. This revelation has left many wondering what kind of impact this absence had on Diddy's upbringing.

Diddy's father Melvin was shot dead by a drug dealer in 1972, at the age of 33, while he was sitting in his car in New York City. Diddy and Melvin are pictured together

A Mother's Influence

Diddy's childhood friend Tim Patterson revealed that the rap star's lack of a father figure was starkly evident. "In my home, there were boots and high-heeled shoes in the closet. In Sean's home, there were only high-heeled shoes... There was something missing from his maturing." This absence may have led to Diddy's fascination with power and security.

Janice Combs, Diddy's mother, has been a constant presence throughout her son's life. But some have questioned the nature of their relationship, particularly after a disturbing video surfaced showing the two sharing a kiss on the mouth.

Melvin was the original 'bad boy', a gangster affiliated with the notorious New York mobster Frank Lucas, who was famously portrayed by Denzel Washington in the movie American Gangster (above)

The Childhood of Sean "Diddy" Combs

As the world learns more about Diddy's past, it becomes clear that his childhood was far from ordinary. Neighbors in Mount Vernon, New York, claimed to have witnessed "wild" parties thrown by Janice for her young son. This upbringing may have contributed to Diddy's future of excess and debauchery.

The Scandalous Trial

Famed gangster Frank Lucas (pictured) worked with Melvin Combs. He also revealed he met Diddy when he was a young boy because 'his daddy used to bring him over my house' when he would 'come see me on various business'

Diddy has pleaded not guilty to five counts including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan claim that over two decades, Combs coerced women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, into taking part in drug-fueled sexual acts. His lawyers argue that the women involved did so consensually, but many remain skeptical.

As Diddy's trial continues to captivate the nation, one thing is clear: his childhood and upbringing played a significant role in shaping his life of excess and depravity. The question remains - can he find redemption or will his dark past continue to define him?

TheScholarlyNote.com Exclusive

Psychologists suggest that growing up without a father figure likely influenced Diddy's 'drive for power'. Diddy is pictured with his mother Janice Combs in June 2022

In an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, Dr. Carole Lieberman, a board-certified forensic psychiatrist, shed light on Diddy's psyche. "Diddy grew up in a household where his mother and grandmother were present - not his father... When someone is raised in dysfunction, they don't recognize it as abnormal. What we're seeing today is a grown man recreating the chaos he was raised in - only now it's darker, more dangerous, and harder to control."

As the world waits with bated breath for Diddy's verdict, one thing is certain - his childhood and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping his life of excess and depravity. The question remains - can he find redemption or will his dark past continue to define him?

**TheScholarlyNote.com has approached Combs' representatives for comment.

Diddy (pictured in a June 4, 2025 court sketch) has pleaded not guilty to five counts including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking

Diddy seen pouring champagne over two attendees at a party in 1998

Diddy is seen glaring across the room in one image from a party, surrounded by vodka bottles as someone else films him

After the 55-year-old rapper was indicted in March last year, a disturbing video recorded in 2022 and showing the mother and son duo sharing a kiss resurfaced.

Janice Combs arrives at Federal Court for Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial at US court in Manhattan, in New York City on June 6, 2025