The federal sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs in Manhattan has brought renewed attention to his reality series, "Making the Band." The series, which began on ABC in 2000 with Lou Pearlman forming O-Town, gained prominence when Combs took over on MTV in 2002, aiming to create a hip-hop group.

Dawn Richard, a singer who first met Combs on "Making the Band," testified as a prosecution witness. She stated that she witnessed Combs physically abuse Cassie Ventura and has also accused him of sexual battery, sexual harassment, and false imprisonment in a 2024 civil lawsuit. Combs has denied these allegations, with his attorney stating that Richard is trying to get money from him and that Combs is confident in proving the truth in court.

Richard's testimony highlights the tough environment that some have described around Combs. Viewers of "Making the Band" saw glimpses of this, such as when Combs asked contestants on "Making the Band 2" to walk miles to Junior’s Cheesecake in Brooklyn without using public transportation. Combs defended this by saying it wasn't a mean-spirited act but about doing things one doesn't want to do in the music world.

Dave Chappelle parodied Combs’ behavior, underscoring its over-the-top nature. "Making the Band 3" featured Combs forming the all-girl group Danity Kane, which included Richard, Aubrey O’Day, Shannon Bex, D. Woods, and Aundrea Fimbres. In 2018, Richard, O’Day, and Bex spoke about their experiences, including Combs firing O’Day for alleged promiscuity. Richard stated it was about proving he owned their careers and controlling their lives, describing his behavior as sexist.

O’Day has continued to criticize Combs, particularly regarding his children being present during the explicit testimony at his trial, calling it selfish. She clarified that she is not testifying in the criminal trial. "Making the Band" concluded in 2009.