Joe Budden has firmly denied any involvement in the controversial “freak-off” parties reportedly organized by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, following a wave of speculation. On the September 21 episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the media personality addressed the rumors, which claimed he was present at these infamous gatherings and that tapes of the events were recovered by authorities during a raid on Diddy’s properties. Budden, however, made it clear that he was not involved.
During the podcast, Joe Budden humorously revealed that the rumors had become so widespread that even his father, who had recently learned how to use an iPhone, reached out to him to inquire about the situation. Budden, however, assured his father—and his audience—that he was nowhere near Diddy’s parties, much less on any alleged tapes.
“For the last time, can y’all take me off the list of names that y’all think is on these tapes. Why are y’all so hell-bent on putting people like me on these tapes?” Budden said, expressing his frustration with the speculation. He also clarified that despite having worked with Diddy in the past on the 2018 talk show State of the Culture, the two were never friends.
The rumors of Budden’s involvement surfaced following Diddy’s arrest on September 16, where he was charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, and other serious allegations related to his “freak-off” parties. During the investigation, authorities reportedly recovered tapes from Diddy’s residences in Los Angeles and Miami, sparking online speculation about the celebrities who might have been involved in these events. Budden, however, has flatly denied being part of the controversial tapes.
In the podcast, Budden also took aim at the growing trend of public figures being recorded without their consent, remarking that he doesn’t even like to be filmed when fully clothed, let alone in any compromising situation. “Do you know how I would be in the nude?! I am a f***ing prude,” he joked. He then elaborated, explaining that he has always avoided scenarios where he could be filmed, adding, “You can’t just record my body, dawg, and on your premises.”
In an exchange with his co-hosts, Budden emphasized how rare it is for him to be out in public in the first place, much less at questionable gatherings. He humorously added that people wouldn’t even catch him on camera while grabbing fast food: “You’re not even getting a shot of me on a ring camera getting McDonald’s from the passenger seat.”
At one point, co-host Trevor “Queenzflip” Robinson brought up Budden’s professional relationship with Diddy, questioning if the two were friends. Budden immediately refuted any notion of friendship, explaining that his connections in the industry are purely professional. “I’m very clear on where I stand and where people stand with me professionally,” he said. Budden added that he is well aware of his value in the industry, stating, “These are professional relationships. Some of these n****s are really fly, and I’m fans of some of these people. But outside of that, y’all know it’s tough to get me out of the crib.”
Joe Budden ended his segment on the topic by further dismissing any connection to Diddy’s controversial parties, even poking fun at the reported presence of baby oil in the tapes recovered from Diddy’s homes. “Baby oil and not the gel?! Talk about a beginner!” Budden exclaimed, in a lighthearted jab at the details emerging from the investigation.
At the time of writing, Diddy remains in custody following his arrest, unable to secure bail despite an offer of $50 million. As the case unfolds, Budden continues to make it clear that, while he may have had professional dealings with Diddy in the past, he was never part of any “freak-off” parties and wants no part in the swirling rumors surrounding them.