Sean “Diddy” Combs has been vocal about the #BlackLivesMatter movement in the past, taking the nation’s justice system to task for non-indictments in the deaths of unarmed black men.
In reaction to the recent death of a New York rapper, Combs implored the community to look within.
Following the fatal drive-by shooting of New York rapper Lionel “Chinx Drugz” Pickens on early Sunday morning (no suspects have been arrested, as the shooting is still under investigation), Diddy posted a message to 4.6 million followers. In it, the 45-year-old declares that in some instances, African Americans should take more accountability in ending the violence related to death of black men and women in America.
“We are committing genocide on ourselves. We are always looking for scapegoats,” he wrote on the social media platform. “We as a people hurt ourselves more than anyone has ever hurt us. That makes no sense. We as a people including myself have to take accountability and do whatever we can do individually or together to stop the madness and realize that we are kings and queens and must love ourselves and each other.”
Combs’ has also spoken out on the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner case, and the aftermath in Baltimore following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray. He referenced these events, and their impact on the community, earlier this month during an interview with The Associated Press.
“The black community are the forgotten ones — just like people are in poverty all over this country, but especially the black community,” he said. “So you have a lot of built-up frustration especially in the kids that see their future is bleak and they are being forgotten. People need to pay attention to that…”
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