Joe Jonas is the latest musician to distance himself from Sean “Diddy” Combs, as the embattled rapper faces numerous sexual assault allegations. Jonas made the change during a recent Jonas Brothers concert in Paris, choosing to adjust a lyric in his hit song “Cake by the Ocean,” a track from his side project DNCE.
On September 28, while performing at the LDLC Arena in Paris, Jonas, 35, swapped out a reference to Diddy. The original lyric, “I’ll be Diddy, you’ll be Naomi” — referring to Diddy’s rumored relationship with supermodel Naomi Campbell in the early 2000s — was replaced with, “I’ll be watching you be Naomi.” Fan-captured footage from the concert shows Jonas making the subtle but pointed change, which came after multiple allegations against Diddy became public.
Jonas isn’t the only artist who has adjusted lyrics involving Diddy in light of these troubling revelations. Kesha, who rose to fame with her 2009 hit single “TiK ToK,” made headlines earlier this year when she modified her song during a Coachella performance. The original lyric, “Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy,” was reworked to, “Wake up in the morning feeling like, f— P. Diddy.” In August, Kesha confirmed that the change would be permanent.
“TiK ToK was the first single that I put into this world that had my voice AND my name credited,” Kesha shared with fans in a heartfelt statement. “I remember making it fun and happy because that’s how I felt and wanted others to feel. What I’m so proud of is that’s how this song STILL makes me feel, through it all.”
Kesha also addressed her decision to update the lyrics, stating, “I will re-record it when I have legal rights to! Now, my first baby stands for so much. It stands for fiercely protecting my fun and unadulterated joy, in myself and in others.”
These changes come as Diddy, 53, faces a growing number of sexual assault allegations. In August 2023, 120 new allegations were filed against the rapper, with 25 of the alleged victims being minors. These lawsuits, spanning several states, are expected to be filed over the next few months, according to Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the victims alongside the AVA law group.
The latest accusations against Diddy include claims from a Jane Doe who filed a complaint on September 27, alleging that Diddy sexually abused and impregnated her. Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard also filed a complaint earlier in September, alleging that Diddy sexually assaulted her, deprived her of sleep and food, and failed to pay her properly. Richard further claims to have witnessed Diddy abusing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and engaging in sex acts with underage girls.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Diddy has denied all wrongdoing. He is currently being held in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits trial. Diddy has been denied bail twice, and his attorney is working on an appeal to secure his release. His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month.
As the legal battle unfolds, more artists are distancing themselves from Diddy’s once-iconic influence. The music industry, which often memorializes its stars through lyrical references, is now facing the growing dilemma of what to do when those stars fall from grace. For Joe Jonas and Kesha, the answer is clear—cut ties and move forward.
With the cases against Diddy piling up, and more victims continuing to come forward, it’s likely that these changes in the music industry will only increase as the allegations take center stage.
—
Photo Credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com