The explosive Diddy abuse scandal has brought to light a jaw-dropping VHS tape that was sent out as an invitation to the mogul’s 29th birthday party in 1998. The nearly six-minute video serves as a time-capsule from the peak of the Bad Boy era and features A-listers such as Oprah, Donald Trump, Derek Jeter, Ellen DeGeneres, and many others hyping the bash and encouraging recipients to RSVP. The tape was sent out in a black-velvet pouch with the date of the birthday gala written on it, creating anticipation among the most powerful and glamorous players in Los Angeles and New York.
The video begins with a strange skit featuring Danny DeVito inviting viewers to the party and promoting the fabulous and expensive event. Various celebrities, including Chris Rock and Ellen DeGeneres, take turns reading from a script and playfully teasing Diddy for his various names and slang terms. The bash, held at Cipriani Wall Street, was reported to have cost $600,000 and boasted a guest list of 1,600 people, including big names like Henry Winkler, Mike Tyson, Mark Wahlberg, and Martha Stewart among others.
One attendee recalled how the party had gathered bigger celebs and moguls who were fascinated by the chutzpah of a 29-year-old kid. The event was compared to Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball for the kind of high-profile commercial success and notoriety it celebrated, transcending racial or class boundaries. Despite the extravagant nature of the party and the elite guest list, the contrast with the current scandal involving Diddy’s legal issues and investigations highlights the stark change in his social standing and reputation.
In addition to the abuse scandal, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie has sued him for rape and other forms of abuse, adding to the legal troubles surrounding him. Most recently, in March, Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raided as part of a sex trafficking investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Despite these allegations and investigations, Diddy has denied any wrongdoing, further impacting his public image and reputation. As the once-glamorous mogul slips socially amid the scandal, the nostalgic video from his extravagant 29th birthday serves as a reminder of how much times have changed for him and the perception of his status in society.
