Diddy Halloween costumes are causing a stir online

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal troubles stemming from sexual misconduct allegations have sparked a wave of Halloween costumes — and sparked online discussions.

Music mogul Combs was arrested on September 16 and charged in a three-count indictment with conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. He was refused bail several times.

Combs' reps have repeatedly pointed this out Newsweek to the following statement: “We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason and without evidence. “Fortunately, there is a fair and impartial legal process to get to the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court.”

As Combs remains in custody ahead of his May 2025 trial date, the allegations made against the Bad Boy Records founder have provided inspiration for Halloween costumes. Particular attention was paid to the hundreds of baby oil bottles seized during searches by authorities at the Combs property earlier this year.

A lawsuit alleged that Combs spiked baby oil with Rohypnol, or GHB, a substance commonly known as a date rape drug, at his home. In a filing in October, Combs' defense team dismissed the claims as “outlandish conspiracy theories.”

A photo shared on Sunday on A caption describes the image as “P Diddy and baby oil.” The screenshot appears to be taken from a TikTok post that appears to name the woman dressed as baby oil.

The photo, which has been viewed more than 10 million times as of press time, also sparked discussion that the man in the image used makeup to blacken his face, which has led to discussions about the use of blackface. The same tactic was used by another man, seen in a separate X post wearing an orange prison uniform and carrying a bottle of baby oil.

“So in Scottsdale, Arizona we have a white man dressing up like P Diddy in blackface,” one X user captioned the prison-themed image. “Open the schools. We shouldn't have to teach white people that race isn't a Halloween costume, but we clearly do. This is shameful and disgusting. Damn, whoever that is.”

Reacting to the costume, which depicts Combs in a suit, one X user wrote, “That's not even an outfit Diddy would wear.” The kid just wanted to do blackface.”

Another commented that while Combs' alleged actions were “wrong, that doesn't mean you can wear blackface.”

“As if it's CRAZY to be aware of the hyper-vigilant internet optics culture and grow up with the concept of a digital footprint while wearing this costume AND allowing yourself to be posted on the internet at the same time,” reads another Contribution.

Another said: “Disgusting on so many levels from the blackface to making fun of a really disturbing situation.”

Meanwhile, video footage of internet personality and comedian Kush Papi dressed as a large bottle of baby oil has gone viral on TikTok. The short clip, which has been viewed more than 20 million times, shows the influencer, whose real name is Joseph Pontarelli, holding a cardboard cutout of a baby oil bottle with the words “Diddy's Oil Party” written on it. Unlike many other images, Kush Papi is not in black letters.

Newsweek Kush Papi emailed for comment.

Blackface can be traced back to the minstrel shows of the early 19th century, in which white performers portrayed stereotypes of black people, often living in the South and working on plantations.

Blackface: The Birth of an American StereotypeAn article from the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture states that these performances characterized black people as “lazy, ignorant, superstitious, hypersexual, and prone to theft and cowardice.”

The article also states: “Minstrelsy, comedic performances of 'Blackness' by white people in exaggerated costumes and makeup, cannot be completely separated from the racist mockery and stereotyping at their core.”

Although minstrel shows no longer exist, several high-profile politicians and celebrities have drawn backlash in the past for wearing blackface.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam went into heat after first apologizing for, then denying, appearing in high school yearbook photos that allegedly showed a person wearing blackface makeup. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also apologized after photos emerged showing him in brownface at a 2001 Arabian Nights-themed party.

Megyn Kelly sparked intense backlash in 2018 when she defended wearing blackface, saying it was “okay as a kid as long as you dressed like a character.” Real Housewives of New York Star Luann de Lesseps appeared to darken her skin while dressing up as Diana Ross on the show, which she denied.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) Sexual Assault Hotline specialists are available 24 hours a day by telephone (1 (800) 656-4673). Online chat. Additional group support is also available via mobile app.