Sting says Diddy allegations have not tainted ‘Every Breath You Take’: “It’s still my song”

Sting has revealed his thoughts on the legacy of Police‘s ‘Every Breath You Take’ following the numerous allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

In 1983, the Police released the chart-topping hit ‘Every Breath You Take’. In 1997, Diddy sampled the song for his own release, ‘I’ll Be Missing You’. Now that Diddy is facing charges for sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting for prostitution, Sting has shared his thoughts on the disgraced rapper’s sample.

In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sting replied when asked if he thought the Police hit had been polluted by Diddy’s cover: “No. I mean, I don’t know what went on [with Diddy]. But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song.”

Last year, Diddy said that he was forced to pay Sting £4,020 ($5,000) each day for the rest of his life for the sample. However, he quickly backtracked the comment, saying he was “was joking! It’s called being facetious! Me and @OfficialSting have been friends for a long time! He never charged me $3K or $5K a day for ‘Missing You.’ He probably makes more than $5K a day from one of the biggest songs in history.”

Diddy was first arrested in September, and was charged with sex trafficking, transporting for prostitution and more. He was denied bail after offering a $50million (£38.4m) bond and was reportedly placed on suicide watch as he awaits trial. The artist has since appealed against the bail denial. His trial date is scheduled for May 5, 2025.

He remains in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York City. Combs is next expected to appear in court on December 18. According to Rolling Stone, he could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.

Following the recent accusation that alleged Diddy had sexually assaulted and drugged a 10-year-old boy, Combs’ attorneys denied the latest wave of accusations and criticised Tony Buzbee – the lawyer currently working with 120 people who have come forward with new claims against the disgraced rap mogul – in a statement (via Complex).

“Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone – man or woman, adult or minor.”

In other news, a woman who anonymously sued Diddy for rape earlier this month has been told she must reveal her name or her lawsuit will be thrown out. The judge has given Jane Doe until November 13 to file a complaint in her own name “or this case will be dismissed”. She said Doe’s lawyers had not provided sufficient evidence revealing her identity would cause mental harm, and said the prospect of “public humiliation” was not enough.