Kesha surprised fans at Coachella with a performance of her hit song “Tik Tok” alongside Reneé Rapp, where she changed the opening lyric that referenced Sean “Diddy” Combs. Instead of singing “Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy,” Kesha altered the line to “Wake up in the morning like f–k P. Diddy,” and both she and Rapp were seen holding up their middle fingers in footage shared on social media. Despite reaching out to Combs’ representatives for comment, they were unable to provide a response.
This change in the lyrics comes at a time when Combs is facing legal troubles, including accusations of physical and sexual abuse by his former girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura. Kesha had previously swapped the controversial lyric during a performance on her Only Love tour in Los Angeles in November, where she sang, “Wake up in the morning feeling just like me.” The timing of these performances coincided with the lawsuits filed against Combs over separate alleged incidents of sexual misconduct, which he denied and later settled with Ventura.
Combs, known for hits like “I’ll Be Missing You,” has been embroiled in legal battles stemming from these accusations, with Kesha using her platform to make a statement through her altered lyrics at Coachella. Despite the lack of response from Combs’ representatives, the change in the lyric suggests a shift in attitudes towards the rapper in light of the allegations against him. Kesha’s decision to modify the lyrics may reflect her stance on the issue of abuse and misconduct in the industry, as well as her support for survivors who come forward with their stories.
The controversy surrounding Combs and the legal actions taken against him have brought attention to the issue of sexual abuse and misconduct in the music industry. Kesha, who has been a vocal advocate for survivors of abuse, used her performance at Coachella to make a powerful statement against Combs by changing the lyrics of her song. By altering the reference to Combs in her song, Kesha highlights the importance of standing up against abuse and supporting survivors, while also drawing attention to the allegations that have been made against Combs.
As a prominent figure in the music industry, Kesha’s decision to modify the lyrics of her song at Coachella sends a message about the need for accountability and action when it comes to allegations of misconduct. By publicly denouncing Combs through her performance, Kesha aligns herself with the #MeToo movement and raises awareness about the prevalence of abuse in the industry. The altered lyric serves as a reminder that survivors have a voice and that their stories deserve to be heard, even in the face of powerful individuals like Combs. Kesha’s actions at Coachella demonstrate a commitment to speaking out against abuse and supporting those who have been affected by it.
