The Enduring Bond Between Diddy and His Mother, Janice Smalls Combs
Prince Williams/ Getty Images
Sean “Diddy” Combs and his mother, Janice Smalls Combs, share a deep connection that has endured through the years.
“My mother always worked hard, instilling in me the importance of having multiple jobs and aspirations,” Diddy mentioned in a 2010 interview with Nightline. “She had her own dreams and shared them with me constantly.”
As Diddy gained recognition in the ’90s, Janice remained a constant support during both triumphs and challenges, including his September 2024 arrest in New York for charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution. Despite pleading not guilty, he was denied bail on two occasions.
A month later, Janice chose to speak out in defense of her son.
“As a devastated mother, I am deeply saddened by the allegations against my son, Sean Combs,” Janice stated in a message shared with Us Weekly by her attorney, Natlie G. Figgers. “It breaks my heart to see my son judged based on lies rather than truth.”
Continue reading to explore the strong bond between Diddy and Janice over the years:
Always a Plus-One
John Nacion/WireImage
Diddy has often brought his mother to numerous events, including the VMAs, BET Awards, and various movie premieres. Janice has also been spotted at many of Diddy’s iconic white parties over the years.
A Special Shout-Out
Janice received a heartfelt mention in Diddy’s 2006 song “Claim My Place.” In it, Diddy raps, “You know my mother / Mama always said I’d be somebody you know / So I figured I might as well be great.”
A Real Role Model
Diddy has spoken about how his mother’s strong work ethic motivated him throughout his childhood.
“Raised by my mother and grandmother after my father was killed when I was three, I once asked my mother for a pair of sneakers, and her expression of concern as she couldn’t afford them made me realize I needed to step up as a man,” Combs reflected in a 2016 interview with CBS Mornings.
A Sweet Tribute
During the 2018 VH1 special Dear Mama, Diddy gave an emotional tribute to Janice.
“My mother was my superhero,” he expressed to the audience. “She sacrificed everything for our well-being, ensuring we received the best education and had opportunities to succeed. She taught me to have faith in myself and trust in my dreams, emphasizing the value of family and love.”
Extravagant Presents
KMazur/WireImage
For Janice’s 80th birthday in December 2020, Diddy presented her with a $1 million check and a brand-new Bentley.
“I exist because of this beautiful, hardworking, loving, hilarious, truthful, genuine, intelligent, stylish, and simply amazing Queen!!” he shared on Instagram. “Happy 80th Birthday to the best mother on Earth! Love you forever! ❤️ … and this is her at 80, no filter or edits 🖤!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY #MAMACOMBS ❤️.”
Having Diddy’s Back
During Diddy’s conflict with rapper Ma$e, Janice publicly supported her son. In a July 2022 video from The Art of the Dialogue, she was seen telling Diddy, “Don’t mess with my son,” as he expressed his affection for Ma$e.
Stress from Diddy’s Legal Woes
In July 2024, TMZ reported that Janice was hospitalized due to chest discomfort, an incident that followed months after Diddy faced serious allegations of sexual assault from multiple victims.
Defending Diddy Amid His Arrest
After Diddy’s arrest in September 2024, Janice asserted that her son was being unfairly judged before he got the chance to prove his innocence.
“Witnessing what seems like a public lynching of my son before he has had the chance to defend himself is a pain that’s indescribable,” she stated. “Like everyone else, my son deserves his day in court to share his account and demonstrate his innocence.”
Janice acknowledged that her son is not perfect and noted he has made mistakes in the past.
“While my son may not have always been completely truthful, particularly in denying past incidents of violence when evidence might suggest otherwise,” she commented, referencing surveillance footage that apparently showed Diddy being abusive to his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. “Sometimes, the line between truth and a lie can blur, making it tough to admit certain realities.”
Moral Support
Janice was present during Diddy’s trial in New York City when it commenced in May 2025, accompanied by six of her grandchildren.
