Origin Of Diddy's Former 'Puff Daddy' Stage Name Resurfaces Amid Rapper's Sex-Crimes Trial
By Favour Adegoke on May 31, 2025 at 9:00 PM EDT
Sean "Diddy" Combs, who has gone by many names throughout his long career, is currently on trial after his arrest last year on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Several witnesses have been called to the stand to share their testimony, including the rapper's ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura.
Now, amid Diddy's explosive trial, the story of his previous name, "Puff Daddy," has begun circulating again, leaving many intrigued by the rapper's past.
Why Diddy Initially Went By The Stage Name' Puff Daddy'
People are just getting to know about the eerie meaning behind Diddy's former stage name, "Puff Daddy," as his sex-crimes trial rages on.
The embattled rapper officially launched his career in 1990, and by 1996, he released the song "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," which topped the charts at the time and became his first number-one single.
Since then, he has had several monikers, including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Brother Love.
According to The Mirror, Diddy himself revealed "Puff Daddy" originated from his childhood nickname, "Puff," which was given to him because he had a tendency to "huff and puff" whenever he was angry.
However, by 2001, Diddy switched from "Puff Daddy" to "P. Diddy," as he sought a fresh name following his acquittal in a court case in which he had been charged with gun possession and bribery.
"No more Puff Daddy - the first week in June, we're going to have a name-change ceremony," Combs said at the time, per the news outlet. "I'm not doing it as serious as Prince. I just want something fresh. I'm rocking with P. Diddy just now."
Regarding the origin of "P. Diddy," the rapper reportedly said it was suggested to him by his late friend, Notorious B.I.G., who died in 1996.'
The Rapper Is Doing All He Can To Support His Defense In His Sex Crimes Trial
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him by the government and has been on trial for more than two weeks now.
According to the Daily Mail, the rapper has adopted the position of a "quarterback" to his lineup of well-paid attorneys and has seemingly shaken off early nerves he the courtroom during the trial.
He has been seen passing dozens of sticky notes to his lawyers, intensely questioning them during breaks, and suggesting they bring in different evidence, and has generally used his memories to bolster his lawyers' tactics.
"He was there, he remembers exactly what happened: nobody knows more about Diddy's life than he does," a source told the news outlet. "He's very involved and he's on top of things because he knows his life is on the line."
The report is a far cry from what things initially looked like when Diddy's trial first started. During jury selection on May 5, the "I'm Coming Home" rapper notably raised his hand and asked for a bathroom break because he was a "little nervous."
Diddy Doesn't Take His Trial As A 'Joke'
In court, he was overheard telling his attorney, Anna Esteavo, that he was "proud" of her before she cross-examined his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura.
He has also exerted his influence in more subtle ways, including when he nodded repeatedly as his former executive assistant, George Kaplan, described in glowing terms his commitment to diversity at Combs Enterprises.
His demeanor has also changed as he no longer appears to be anxiously hunched over at his chair but now sits back in a relaxed manner to watch as proceedings unfold.
"He's running the show, no doubt about it," one observer who has been in court most days told the Daily Mail. "He's becoming more confident as each day goes by - he's the boss."
A source doubled down on what the trial meant to Diddy, explaining that he was not joking around.
"There are so many comedy takes out there, but what they're forgetting is that this guy can go to jail for the rest of his life," they said. "This isn't a joke for Diddy."
The Rapper Was 'Heartbroken' About Missing Daughters' Graduation
Diddy was said to be devastated after missing the high school graduation of his twin daughters, Jessie and D'Lila Combs, last week due to his ongoing federal trial.
A source close to the rapper said the day meant everything to Diddy and that he was "heartbroken" for not being able to witness them walk the stage in person.
"He was heartbroken not to be there for such a monumental moment in the twins' lives — graduation and prom," the insider told Page Six. "It meant everything to him."
Diddy's family seems to be his motivation as he tries to prove his innocence from the racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges he's been accused of.
The insider explained that he has repeatedly said he's "fighting for his life and wants to get back to his family."
Despite being away from their father since his September 2024 arrest, the "Finna Get Loose" rapper's children have put up a united front, especially during their appearances in court, and are usually seen holding hands together as they enter and exit the courtroom.
Diddy Gave Specific Instructions To Ensure His Kids Had A Blast
Meanwhile, Diddy seemingly did all he could to ensure that the girls had a fun and happy experience on their big day, and didn't feel left out.
According to Page Six, a source close to the situation said the music mogul instructed his relatives to ensure the day was all about the 18-year-old twins.
"He specifically asked the family to focus on the girls and to stay out of court so they could be together and fully present for them, especially since Kim [Porter] was not present," the source said.
