Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs has had a number of high-profile romances over the years, with the rapper getting involved with singer Jennifer Lopez and model Kim Porter

Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs once admitted he dated Jennifer Lopez in the hope his ex-girlfriend Kim Porter would “come running after me.”

The Bad Boy Records founder, 55, was in an on-off relationship with J.Lo from 1999 to early 2001. Their romance was complicated by the fact Diddy still had feelings for Kim and he later admitted he used the Jenny From The Block hitmaker to try and win her back.

Combs described Jennifer as being his “perfect match,” but it seems that wasn’t enough. In a resurfaced interview with Essence from 2007, Diddy explained his thinking behind the high-profile relationship as he said: “I thought, ‘I’ll test the waters and hopefully Kim will see I’m serious and come running after me’.”

However, Kim knew exactly what her ex-boyfriend was after. In the same interview, she said: “I knew what was really going on. He was still in love with me.”

Jennifer Lopez once dated Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs ( Image: Getty Images)

He was still in love with Kim Porter ( Image: Getty Images)

During the interview, which took place with Essence, Diddy also opened up about the reason he fell for Kim, which also happened to be what drove them apart. “I’m used to applause when I walk in the room. And [Kim] was just too cool,” he explained.

Combs continued: “I would tell her, ‘I guess I’ll go be with someone else who’ll take care of me the way I want to be taken care of, who’ll be a little more aggressive.'” Kim and Diddy eventually reconciled in 2003, before splitting for a final time in 2007.

The interview has resurfaced as the Last Night rapper is currently being held in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. He was arrested in September on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs has vehemently denied all allegations against him and pleaded not guilty in court. As he awaits federal trial, which is due to begin in May 2025, Diddy has also been hit with several lawsuits filed by Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee.

The lawsuits include allegations of rape, sexual abuse and sexual assault, all of which Diddy has strongly denied. Combs’ attorney Erica Wolff responded to the announcement of the lawsuits and said: “We cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus. That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.”

She concluded: “He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court if and when claims are filed and served, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”

In a second statement about the lawsuits, Diddy’s attorneys told The Mirror US: “The press conference and 1-800 number that preceded today’s barrage of filings were clear attempts to garner publicity. Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts, their legal defenses, and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone — adult or minor, man or woman.”