Lance Bass, former NSYNC member, recently shared insights into his long-standing negative feelings towards hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, now facing serious legal allegations. During a candid appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Bass revealed the root of his dislike, stemming back to a pivotal moment during NSYNC‘s final tour in 2002. His revelation provides a glimpse into past tensions and resurfaces in light of Combs’ recent controversies.
Bass openly admitted to host Andy Cohen that he has never been to a “Diddy party” and had even suppressed the memory of Combs being the opening act for NSYNC on their 2002 tour. This admission was a prelude to the core reason for his negative perception of Combs, which dates back to the tour’s finale in Orlando.
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NSYNC’s Lance Bass revealed the origin of his unfavorable view of Diddy, explaining, “I never liked him.” He recounted overhearing a conversation between Combs and his NSYNC bandmate, Justin Timberlake, during their last show in Orlando. According to Bass, Diddy advised Timberlake to pursue a solo career, suggesting he “drop these effers,” referring to the other members of NSYNC. This blatant encouragement of a split within the group deeply offended Bass. “And I was like, ‘I don’t like you anymore, Diddy,'” Bass stated, recalling his immediate reaction to the overheard advice.
The studio audience reacted with audible shock to Bass’s revelation, prompting Bass to laugh and exclaim, “I know! At my own show? What the hell?” Andy Cohen lightened the moment with a quip, “You will not be hearing from Diddy about that. He’s got bigger problems than Lance Bass slagging him off on WWHL.” Bass humorously agreed, “I know. I will not be his phone call.”
Bass’s resurfaced dislike for Diddy comes amidst serious legal troubles for the hip-hop mogul. Combs was recently arrested in Manhattan and faces federal indictment on charges dating back to 2008. The charges are linked to a federal investigation into his alleged involvement in sex trafficking, racketeering, and other severe offenses. The grand jury indictment lists multiple federal counts against Combs, including sex trafficking and racketeering. These charges are further substantiated by allegations of a “persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women,” brought into sharper focus by a disturbing 2016 video depicting Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Combs has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
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While Justin Timberlake’s decision to embark on a solo career was never explicitly attributed to Diddy’s advice, NSYNC did indeed announce a hiatus in 2002, the same year as their final tour with Combs, before officially disbanding. The group, consisting of Bass, Timberlake, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick, recently reunited for a song, “Better Place,” for Timberlake’s animated film Trolls Band Together, marking their first collaboration in two decades. Despite this reunion, the context of their initial split and Bass’s revealed resentment towards Diddy adds a layer of complexity to their history.
In the same Watch What Happens Live interview, Bass also hinted at the possibility of a future NSYNC reunion tour, stating, “I can finally say we’re in talks right now.” He acknowledged the resurgence of interest in NSYNC, partly fueled by the use of their song in Deadpool & Wolverine, suggesting potential future projects are under consideration.
Lance Bass’s candid comments provide a deeper understanding of his personal history with Sean “Diddy” Combs and offer a timely perspective in light of the serious allegations currently surrounding Combs. His revelation of a decades-old dislike, rooted in a perceived act of undermining NSYNC, adds a personal dimension to the ongoing narrative surrounding the embattled music mogul.
