One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former collaborators has revealed where he stands after the embattled music mogul’s bombshell sex trafficking trial concluded this week.
Tony Dofat, who worked alongside Diddy on several projects from the early ’90s to the late aughts, exclusively told The Post that he would “definitely” collaborate with the rapper again following the surprising verdict.
The 55-year-old record exec was acquitted on racketeering and sex-trafficking charges on Wednesday, July 2.
One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former collaborators has revealed where he stands after the embattled music mogul’s sex trafficking trial concluded this week. REUTERS
Tony Dofat exclusively told The Post that he would “definitely” collaborate with Diddy again following the surprising verdict. Instagram/@tonydofat
However, he was found guilty on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
He also still faces 66 civil lawsuits, according to Vulture, connected to a slew of sexual impropriety allegations against him.
“I would definitely work together with him again,” Dofat told The Post shortly after the verdict was announced.
Dofat worked alongside Diddy on several projects from the early ’90s to the late aughts. Instagram/@tonydofat
“I would definitely work together with him again,” Dofat told The Post. Instagram/@tonydofat
“We made a lot of great records together,” he added. “A lot of people make music together, and I don’t see why I wouldn’t wanna continue making music with him.”
Dofat said he first began collaborating with Diddy in 1992 when the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer introduced the New York native to the hip-hop music business and Uptown Records.
Dofat went on to compose and produce many chart-topping songs and remixes alongside Diddy, including Mary J. Blige’s hits “Love No Limit” and “You Don’t Have To Worry.”
Diddy was acquitted on racketeering and sex-trafficking charges on Wednesday. Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs
Diddy and Dofat first began collaborating in 1992. Instagram/@tonydofat
Diddy and Dofat worked together to produce remixes of Mary J. Blige’s hits “Love No Limit” and “You Don’t Have To Worry.” Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit
Besides being a member of Diddy’s Bad Boy Records in-house production team, the Hitmen, Dofat also served as the record producer for Diddy and MTV’s “Making the Band 2” from 2002 through 2004.
The last time the pair collaborated was for Diddy’s “Press Play” record in 2006, according to Dofat. While they “severed ties” shortly after, Dofat claimed that it was not “in a negative manner.”
“I mean, we’re all artists, and this is, believe it or not, just the life that we live,” Dofat continued regarding whether he would want to collaborate with Diddy again. “It’s part of the art when you look at it like that.”
Diddy was still found guilty on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. AP
“Maybe going through these things will put them in a different perspective, and it’ll probably create a different type of art, just from that point of view,” he added.
Dofat also thinks the “Mo Money Mo Problems” rapper can mount a music career comeback after serving his sentence for the prostitution charges.
The judge denied Diddy’s request for bail. His sentencing is currently scheduled for October 3.
Dofat also believes the “Mo Money Mo Problems” rapper can mount a music career comeback after serving his sentence for the prostitution charges. Instagram/@tonydofat
“Of course,” Dofat told The Post. “I mean, the thing about Diddy’s music is that he always has a passion and love for music. He has great ideas, and he’s an incredible producer.”
“I can’t see why not. I can’t see why he would just leave music alone,” Dofat concluded. “Music is something he’s always gonna do.”
Dofat isn’t the only one who believes Diddy could make a successful comeback after his conviction, either.
Diddy’s sentencing is currently scheduled for October 3. REUTERS
Tyrone Blackburn, an attorney representing Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones and others in civil suits against Diddy, also believes the rapper will make a big return to music.
“Because these are not viewed as the really serious claims, or serious charges, I think he may be able to come back,” Blackburn told The Post.
Attorney Joel Denaro said something similar.
Diddy was also denied bail, meaning he will remain behind bars until his sentencing later this year. REUTERS
“Like always, people’s memories will fade, and given Diddy’s considerable talent, I’m sure he will flourish musically going forward,” Denario said.
However, not everybody agrees that the “Last Night” hip-hop star will be able to “come back” to the industry after his legal woes.
“I do not think the court of public opinion will be forgiving,” Ann Olivarius, an attorney focused on women’s rights, told The Post in a statement. “The damage to Diddy’s reputation is real, and demonstrates that the world is watching and survivors matter, even if their abusers are powerful.”
Not everybody agrees that the disgraced hip-hop star will be able to mount a comeback after his prostitution conviction. Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Ana Garcia, host of “True Crime News: The Podcast,” expressed a similar sentiment about the rapper’s future.
“Combs may have been spared life in prison but I am not so sure his career can be saved,” she said. “How can you look at Diddy and not think this man is repulsive?”
“I think Diddy’s image and endorsements are ruined,” Garcia added.
