This viral image is fake. Diddy’s face has been edited into an unrelated image of Kamala Harris and talk show host Montel Williams in 2001.
Context
A fake image that appears to show U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris with Sean “Diddy” Combs and another woman (archived here) has gone viral. One X (formerly Twitter) post had reached 1.5 million views (archived here) at the time of writing.
However, the image is fake. The original image shows talk show host Montell Williams in 2001, when he and Harris briefly dated. Diddy’s face has been pasted on top.
In fact
Diddy’s head has a higher pixel quality than the rest of the image, indicating that it has been pasted on top of the original image.
The viral image also features a username stamp, “@grandoldmemes.” Searching for the username, we found the faked image’s original publication (archived here) on September 17. The account has posted other memes and satire about the Democratic party.
We found the original image on Getty Images using reverse image searches. The caption states it shows Montel Williams, Ashley Williams, and Kamala Harris at the Eighth Annual Race To Erase Multiple Sclerosis Benefit on May 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Times reported on the planned event in April 2001.
Our research found similar footage that went viral in July, incorrectly claiming Kamala Harris attended “Diddy parties in Los Angeles.” This footage was from the same event and Combs does not feature in it.
The footage included the logo of the television show Inside Edition, which published a video on its YouTube channel. The footage confirms parts of Getty’s image description, adding that Ashley Williams is Montel’s daughter.
Comparison between the viral image and original footage. Notice the high pixel rate on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ head and the username tag in the red box on the viral photo, compared to the footage from Inside Edition. (Source: X/Youtube/Screenshot/Annotated by Logically Facts)
The claim surfaced following the arrest of Diddy, a key figure in the U.S. hip-hop scene also known as Puff Daddy,on September 16, following a grand jury indictment in Manhattan.
On September 17, he was charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, Reuters reports. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Dear Reader, Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast. We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do. But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions. If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us. Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
