College Students Go Viral Over Blackface Diddy & Baby Oil Halloween Costume: University Releases Statement
Sean Combs, photographed in his NYC studio in 2001. ROBERT DEUTSCH / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Two individuals are facing backlash after a photo of them dressed as Diddy and a bottle of baby oil for Halloween went viral.
In the viral Halloween photo, a man depicting Diddy wore blackface, a red bow tie, a black blazer, and white pants. A blonde woman accompanying the man sported a pink cap and sweater with a “Johnson’s Baby” oil sign attached to her chest.
The costume is an apparent reference to reports of federal agents seizing 1,000 bottles of baby oil from Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles. The music mogul was arrested last month and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Several of Diddy’s accusers have alleged that the baby oil was laced with the date rape drug GHB.
The blackface Diddy and baby oil costume originally surfaced in a TikTok video posted by a woman who reportedly attends San Diego State University in California. The TikToker shared several other costumes in the video, including Woody and Jessie from Toy Story and a Ratatouille outfit.
“How the group chat dressed for Halloween,” read the caption.
The video was later deleted, but not before it made its way to other social media platforms.
It’s unconfirmed whether the individuals involved in the controversial costume are students at San Diego State University. SDSU released the following statement, denouncing the incident.
“We appreciate the willingness of people who have come forward to share information with the university. The use of blackface and any actions making light of sexual assault are deeply offensive and have no place in a respectful, caring community. We are deeply concerned about the actions depicted and understand the gravity of how this may impact others, including members of our community. The individuals photographed are not confirmed SDSU students, and our team is working to confirm information, to include the location and the names and affiliations of the individuals involved. Any behavior that stereotypes or seeks to harm people based on race or ethnicity and disregard the severity of sexual assault directly contradicts our shared university values and undermines our efforts in support of inclusion and a sense of belonging for our students and also faculty and staff.”
