S Poddar
The legendary musician Sting, known for his time as The Police’s frontman, has weighed in on the current legal troubles surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, particularly regarding Diddy’s 1997 sample of Sting’s iconic song, Every Breath You Take. Despite allegations against Combs, Sting has clarified that his connection to the song remains unchanged.
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 73-year-old English rock star addressed whether Diddy’s legal challenges had any impact on how he views the legacy of his 1983 hit. The song, which topped charts worldwide and became an enduring classic, was famously sampled by Combs in the late ‘90s for his tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. Sting’s message was clear: the song’s legacy, in his eyes, remains untouched.
Combs, currently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Despite the gravity of the charges, Sting dismissed any suggestion that this affects his original work or its lasting impact. When asked if Combs’ legal issues might taint the song, Sting responded with a simple “No,” adding, “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.”
When the interviewer highlighted that fans continue to connect deeply with Every Breath You Take, Sting affirmed, “Absolutely.”
Sting’s 1983 track was famously sampled in Diddy’s I’ll Be Missing You, a tribute to the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., which also featured Faith Evans. The song struck an emotional chord globally, dominating the charts and holding the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks. Diddy and Sting even performed the song together at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, an unforgettable moment at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The collaboration went on to achieve major success, with Diddy receiving a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Diddy’s track became one of the defining songs of the era, further solidifying the legacy of Sting’s original work.
Initially, however, Diddy did not secure permission to use the sample before releasing his rendition. The situation led to a legal agreement between the two artists, ensuring that Sting would receive royalties from the song indefinitely.
In 2018, during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, Sting revealed that Combs pays him around £1,494 per day as part of this agreement. Diddy later stirred up confusion on social media, jokingly claiming that the amount was closer to £4,020 daily. Following his comment, the rapper clarified, saying, “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.” The remark underlined the enduring popularity of the song and the lucrative arrangement that benefits Sting.
Since then, Every Breath You Take has continued to generate substantial royalties for Sting, serving as a powerful reminder of the song’s impact across generations. The legal settlement between Sting and Diddy remains in effect, ensuring Sting a steady stream of income for the lifetime of Combs.
Meanwhile, Diddy faces significant legal challenges, having been arrested on September 16 after extensive investigations. He now faces multiple charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, which could lead to serious consequences if he is convicted. Combs’ bail request, initially set at £38.4 million, was denied, and he remains held at the Brooklyn facility as he awaits his trial, which is scheduled for May 2025. His next court appearance is set for December 18, and he could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.
Amid these controversies, Sting has made his stance clear: Every Breath You Take is “still my song,” and he seems determined to preserve its legacy as a cultural touchstone, separate from the personal troubles of the artist who once sampled it.
