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Execs from Lion TV and All3Media International discuss Diddy: In Plain Sight, a hard-hitting investigation by award-winning director Gussy Sakula-Barry into the story behind the sex-trafficking allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and seeks out those who enabled him.

Name of the show: Diddy: In Plain Sight

Running length/eps: 1×60’

What makes it unique?

Daniel Pearl, creative director at Lion TV: “There have been several films exploring the specific allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs but this film is very different and stands out as a result. It sets out to ask the fundamental question at the heart of so many of these scandals: how could the allegations remain hidden for so long? We seek to explore this by holding those closest to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to account and ask why didn’t they speak out at the time and whether they now accept any level of complicity.

What are the auspices for the show, including key talent, writers, directors and producers?

Pearl: “The film is a highly personal and visually distinctive investigation by award winning director Gussy Sakula-Barry. She is known for her bold and confident films investigating misogyny and the culture that often enables it. At its heart, the film includes a world exclusive interview with Adria English – a woman right at the centre of the scandal. She was hired as a dancer by Diddy for his infamous ‘white parties’ and is now in a position to tell her devastating story in its entirety for the first time.

Rachel Job, senior VP unscripted content at All3Media International: “Daniel Pearl’s expertise was paramount when bringing this title to screen. He commissioned the global hit Leaving Neverland for HBO and has a track record of working on documentaries that explore hard-hitting investigations.”

Who do you see as the audience for the show?

Job: “This is a digital-first commission, with a clear aim to reach a younger, digital-native audience. The series is available on Channel 4’s YouTube channel, which aligns with the viewing habits of younger viewers. There’s already a huge conversation around this story in the online space – particularly on social media – so it’s naturally resonating with media-savvy, news-conscious viewers who want deeper context behind the headlines they see online.”

Pearl: “Narratively, the documentary feels targeted at those people who are following the story closely but is also accessible to those who are new to it. It presents a strong back story and cultural context around Combs as a powerful figure, which appeals to a broad audience whilst its exclusive interviews and hard-hitting cross examination offer a fresh angle to those viewers already engrossed in this global story.”

Do you have any deals in place with channels or platforms around the world?

Job: “Yes. We’re seeing strong international interest across a mix of platforms, including traditional commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and digital-first platforms, who are seeking a young, diverse audience.  Combs’ trial has opened recently in the US and is making global headlines, so we are finding there is strong interest from a current affairs point of view in the new angles and excusive contributors the documentary explores.”

How does the show fit within your catalogue?

Job: “We’re proud to work with genre-leading producers on a range of titles that tackle high-profile, headline-making stories with depth, nuance and journalistic integrity. We’ve had proven success with stories involving public figures facing serious accusations, such as Roast Beef’s Spacey Unmasked and Who Is Ghislaine Maxwell?, so Diddy: In Plain Sight fits in well with these pre-existing titles.

“Diddy’s trial and the surrounding accusations have become a central topic of global conversation, especially on social media. This makes it a particularly relevant subject for a digital-first focus. Our catalogue already includes a strong slate of titles that explore similarly topical and socially resonant issues circulating online, such as The Secret World of Incels and The Secret World of Looksmaxxing.”