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Sean Combs waited until the smoke cleared before stepping up to defend his friend, rap mogul Jay-Z, two weeks after the NFL announced a lucrative deal with Roc Nation. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced a partnership with Jay-Z and Roc Nation earlier this month. Jay-Z and Roc Nation will direct halftime entertainment and create a social justice campaign for the NFL.
The public backlash was swift after sports journalist Jemele Hill called out Jay-Z for not including quarterback-turned-activist Colin Kepernick in the deal with the NFL.
Some accused the 50-year-old rapper of backstabbing Kaepernick, who settled a discrimination suit with the NFL for a reported $10 million.
Sean Combs, affectionately known as "Puff" or "Puffy", defended the rapper on social media.
"Hov is one of the greatest to ever do it, he has been there more than anybody from the hip hop culture, including me," Puffy said.
"He always has been so selfless and fights for other people. We as a people can not be divided and conquered at this time!!"
Others in the industry also praised the father-of-5 for his benevolent efforts, saying he left his drug dealer past far behind him.
Puffy said he watched the backlash against Jay-Z with sadness in his eyes. He said people should give the rapper a chance to do good things with his new platform.
"I was just watching everything last week but it hurt me to my heart because I know this man personally. He’s one of the most genuine and intelligent black leaders we’ve ever had. We cannot go against each other, there's not enough of us. I applaud Jay Z and I applaud the NFL for bringing him in.
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