Sting finally breaks his silence on Diddy’s arrest — ‘it doesn’t affect our song'

Sting, the legendary voice of The Police, is standing by his iconic song Every Breath You Take, despite the mounting legal issues surrounding rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs. Diddy’s 1997 hit I’ll Be Missing You famously sampled Sting's track, creating an unforgettable tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. However, with Diddy now facing allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, the song’s connection to him is once again under the spotlight. But Sting isn’t wavering; he’s keeping his connection to the track strong, even as Diddy’s legal troubles intensify.

P Diddy’s arrest doesn't taint the song - Sting

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sting dismissed any concerns about the song’s legacy being affected by the legal storm surrounding Diddy. "No. I mean, I don’t know what went on [with Diddy]. But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song," Sting stated with conviction. This loyalty to his work underscores his commitment to Every Breath You Take as a timeless piece, no matter who samples it or what controversies may arise.

The song I'll be missing you

Originally, I’ll Be Missing You was recorded in memory of The Notorious B.I.G., who was a prominent artist at Diddy’s Bad Boy Records before his untimely death in 1997. Diddy, alongside Faith Evans and 112, created the track as an emotional farewell to the beloved rapper. Sting even joined them for a Grammy performance in 1998, marking a historic moment in music history. Yet, the backstory holds a bit of drama: in a 2018 appearance on The Breakfast Club, Sting revealed that Diddy has to pay him $2,000 a day for the unauthorized sample—a fee Diddy later clarified could be closer to $5,000 daily. Despite the cost, Sting described Diddy as a “very good friend” and has called “I’ll Be Missing You” a “beautiful version” of his song.

P Diddy's arrest

Meanwhile, Diddy’s current legal issues are far from over. Held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, the 55-year-old awaits a federal trial slated for May 5 on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Diddy has pleaded not guilty and faces numerous civil suits led by Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee.

Even amid the allegations and legal proceedings, Sting’s unwavering support for "Every Breath You Take" and his friendship with Diddy showcase his loyalty to the music above all else, preserving the song’s legacy and message despite the controversy swirling around its modern history.