The image was altered from a 2001 photograph originally showing Kamala Harris with talk show host Montel Williams, not Diddy.Harris and Williams briefly dated during that period, and the original photo was taken at a charity event for multiple sclerosis. The doctored image has been circulating across social media platforms, especially following Sean “Diddy” Combs’ indictment on serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Despite its inaccuracy, the fake image has gained traction online, with many sharing it in light of Combs’ current legal situation. The rapper, facing multiple federal charges, pleaded not guilty in court on 17 September. According to the US Attorney’s Office, the charges against Combs include transporting victims across state lines for prostitution.
This doctored photo is just one example of misinformation directed at Kamala Harris since her rise to political prominence. Gendered and racialised disinformation has often been used to undermine her credibility. In response to the altered image, Montel Williams took to social media, criticising the misleading post. He tweeted, “Here they go again with ‘all black people look alike…’” on 17 September 2024.
The original photo, sourced from Getty Images, clearly shows Harris with Montel Williams and his daughter Ashley, attending a charity event in 2001. Williams has previously addressed rumours about their brief relationship, stating in 2019 that they dated when both were single.