Despite the controversy surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, Sting insists that the iconic song Every Breath You Take remains untouched by the scandal. The Police frontman, who penned the classic 1983 hit, made it clear that the allegations against the renowned music mogul have not affected how he views the song he created.
In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times on November 11, Sting addressed the sampling of Every Breath You Take in Diddy’s 1997 track “I’ll Be Missing You,” which was a tribute to Notorious B.I.G. The song famously used the Police hit, blending it with the soulful vocals of Faith Evans. Despite the legal battles and serious accusations surrounding Diddy — including charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution — Sting remains unfazed by the controversy.
When asked if the ongoing allegations against Diddy had impacted his relationship with the song, Sting responded with a firm, “No.” The 73-year-old rock icon explained, “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.” For Sting, the integrity of the track remains intact, regardless of Diddy’s legal troubles.
The interviewer also pointed out that Every Breath You Take continues to be beloved by fans. Sting, who is known for his grounded approach to life and music, agreed, saying, “Absolutely,” emphasizing the song’s enduring popularity.
Sting’s Take on Music and Sampling
During the interview, Sting also shared his views on sampling and how his music has influenced newer generations of artists. In discussing his 2023 collaboration with Pink and Marshmello on the track “Dreaming,” which includes a sample of his 1993 hit “Fields of Gold,” Sting explained his open-minded approach to newer interpretations of his work.
Sting explained that he doesn’t object to artists sampling his music because it offers fresh insights into the songs. “I always learn something about the song that I hadn’t known or anticipated,” he said, adding that he also enjoys the financial benefits of these collaborations. “And I get paid, so why not? It keeps them current.”
He elaborated, stating that music is ever-evolving, much like a “living organism,” and to keep it relevant, it needs to be constantly refreshed. “You have to keep breathing life into them or giving them new bedfellows,” Sting concluded.
Diddy’s Ongoing Legal Struggles
Meanwhile, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been facing serious legal issues. After being arrested in September 2023 on racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution-related charges, he has been held in custody. The 55-year-old mogul is currently awaiting trial at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. His arrest followed nearly a year of investigations, including home raids and lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse and rape.
Diddy, who faces multiple charges, has been denied bail, and his lawyer’s request for a $50 million bail was rejected. Recently, he filed a motion for bail, which is still pending a decision.
Despite these serious legal issues, Sting’s thoughts on Every Breath You Take and his musical legacy remain steadfast. The track, which has become a timeless classic, continues to be celebrated by listeners worldwide, unaffected by the turmoil surrounding the mogul who sampled it.
