### "Free Diddy" T-Shirts Spark Debate Amid Federal Trial

A unique scene unfolded outside the Manhattan federal courthouse this week as supporters of Sean "Diddy" Combs assembled wearing matching black T-shirts bearing messages like "Free Puff" and "Free $Diddy." While the demonstration appeared as a unified show of support for Combs, who's currently on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering, it quickly came under scrutiny.

The emergence of the demonstration, coinciding with jury selection, saw long-time Combs ally Charlucci Finney donning the first "Free Puff" shirt, drawing some attention. However, the significant interest arose when journalists began to question whether this display was authentic grassroots support or something more orchestrated.

Journalist and podcaster Emilie Hagen, host of "Emilie Knows Everything," delved into the origins of the T-shirt campaign. Through her investigation, Hagen discovered that some participants might have been compensated to wear the shirts. In a video posted on TikTok, a woman claimed she was offered $20 per hour to don a "Free Puffy" shirt and stand outside the courthouse. "They told me it's for a 'Diddy coin,'" the woman explained.

The video quickly gained traction online, catching the eye of Combs' long-time rival, 50 Cent. Never one to miss an opportunity for humor, 50 Cent mocked the situation on Instagram, suggesting he might join in for the payment offered.

Beyond the humor, questions arose about the ethical dimensions of the demonstration. The timing and intent were suspect, particularly given the involvement of Combs’ sons, Justin and King Combs, who recently launched the $DIDDY memecoin on the Solana blockchain. Promoted on social media and bolstered by other celebrities like Kanye West, the memecoin seems to leverage the notoriety of Combs’ ongoing legal troubles to gain attention and interest.

Efforts to reach out to Combs Global for comments on whether there were any official links between the $DIDDY coin promotion and the T-shirt handout have so far been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, as supporters continue to gather, the trial and the emerging questions about orchestrated support keep the public and media deeply engaged.