Influencer faces backlash for Diddy blackface costume on Halloween 2024

A controversy erupted in the United States over a TikTok video that showed college students sporting a Halloween costume heavily criticized for its use of blackface. This incident occurred during Halloween celebrations and involved a depiction of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, linking the outfit to troubling events surrounding him, including serious allegations of sexual assault and racketeering. The backlash against the costume has been swift, drawing attention to the students' lack of awareness regarding the cultural insensitivity of their choices. The woman who posted the video, a student at San Diego State University, has since made her social media accounts private or deactivated them altogether after receiving considerable backlash online. The described costume, which featured a black blazer and a red bow tie, was largely dismissed by commenters who felt that it did not accurately represent Diddy and criticized the reliance on blackface as part of the costume. Diddy's recent legal troubles, including his arrest tied to allegations of drugging victims using baby oil, have been a focal point of the criticism against the costume. The university has publicly stated its concern regarding the incident and reiterated its values regarding respect and care in their community. This event serves as a reminder of the societal implications of costumes that trivialize serious issues such as race and consent and underscores the ongoing discussions about the appropriateness of certain forms of expression during celebrations.