Rapper French Montana was surrounded by paparazzi and a few fans at LAX Monday night and made the headlines after a tense encounter. The incident, which has spread on the internet rapidly, underscores the sensitive position of many in the music industry regarding the expanding controversies enveloping Sean “Diddy” Combs.
French Montana goes way back with Diddy. More than a decade ago, he signed to Bad Boy Records, Diddy’s storied label, at a critical juncture of his career. Coming off the heels of his viral hit “Shot Caller,” later remixed with some Hollywood buzz from Rick Ross and Snoop Dogg, the Bronx spitta’s alliance with Diddy was a springboard to a career in mainstream hip-hop. Their partnership has often been portrayed as one of connection, loyalty, and shared success.
However, friendship can be a double-edged sword, especially when legal problems and public interest are involved. The Bad Boy rapper seemed casually relaxed and was happy to chat about his upcoming music and thoughts on pop culture items like the Met Gala. The Bronx rapper appeared in high spirits as he posed for the cameras and dressed down for the occasion. But the mood took a serious turn when a cameraman brought up some of Diddy’s recent legal troubles. Unprepared, the French’s effect had changed. The easy smile paled into a courteous if determined, negative shake. Instead of an answer, all he could muster was, “Come on, man,” as he walked away from the exchange altogether. It clearly indicated he had no plans to discuss the topic publicly.
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Further drama was added when a French Montana security team member approached the cameraman and asked that the controversial footage not be included in the edit. But it was already too late to control the narrative by then, given that the exchange was live-streamed. The clip had already aired on TV and circulated on social media, and French’s awkward moment was guaranteed to make the public record.
French’s silence speaks volumes. In a business where fealty and image are everything, to speak out, either in solidarity or in judgment, has the potential to lead to professional ruin. Artists such as French Montana, who own, if not a piece, then at least a percentage of their career successes to folks like Diddy, are learning that silence can be louder than words. But instead of feeding the fire with some off-the-cuff remark, French made one of the smartest PR moves possible by saying nothing. His terse and dismissive response suggests an understanding of the tightrope many entertainers tread when personal loyalty clashes with public perception.
As the Diddy drama continues, other artists might be dragged into similarly awkward situations. Some in the industry will defend, others will distance themselves, and some, like French Montana, will just avoid the subject altogether. For now, French Montana is happy to concentrate on his music and career, staying out of the shitstorm that surrounds his former mentor. Whether that silence will do him few favors in the court of public opinion remains to be seen, but for now, at least, it’s evident that he’s unprepared or unwilling to wade into the controversy.
