Diageo Says No Diddy: Rejecting Rapist or Rejecting Success?

Diageo Cites Diddy Rape Claims In Renewed Push To Keep Him Out Of Tequila Ads In a move to maintain a positive corporate image, Diageo has cited allegations of rape against Sean “Diddy” Combs in their renewed push to keep him out of tequila ads. Diageo, a British-based distiller and marketer of spirits, is the parent company of Casamigos, the popular tequila brand founded by Diddy and his celebrity friends, George Clooney and Rande Gerber. In recent weeks, the company has been quietly pressuring the hip-hop mogul to step away from Casamigos due to allegations that he raped a female artist in 1999. The alleged victim, Faith Evans, recently tweeted about the accused rape, saying that it was “the biggest regret of [her] career”. Subsequently, a revived #MeToo campaign began urging Diageo to act accordingly and keep Diddy away from the tequila’s advertising. In response, the company’s legal team released a statement noting that Diddy’s involvement in the brand “goes against our corporate values and reputation”, and has since sent letters to Diddy and his representatives outlining their stance. The renewed push to keep Diddy away from Casamigos marks an unusual step in terms of corporate activism. Though companies have begun taking on a more socially responsible stance in recent years, and boycotting controversial personalities, Diageo has gone a step further in this case, choosing not only to distance itself from someone accused of a serious crime, but to also take a public stance on the matter. The decision is sure to be met with both praise and criticism. While some may admire Diageo’s commitment to upholding its values, others may question their motive, given that the company recently paid Diddy and his partners a reported $1 billion for the tequila brand. The situation is a reminder that corporations are coming under pressure to do more than simply prioritize profits and please shareholders. In doing so, they must increasingly be prepared to take public stands and face potential criticism. Many hope that the involvement of companies such as Diageo will lead to progress in the #MeToo movement, and will ultimately act as a catalyst for greater social justice.