Christian ‘King’ Combs and Diddy Reflected on Performing in Memory of Kim Porter: ‘This Was Always a Dream of Hers’

Christian “King” Combs may be carving out his own path in music and fashion. But there’s no denying the influence of his father, Sean “Diddy” Combs. The two share more than just a striking resemblance and swagger. They’ve got a bond built on legacy, mentorship, and mutual respect. From red carpet appearances to studio sessions, Christian often credits Diddy as both his biggest inspiration and toughest critic. Here’s what Christian once said about Diddy’s iconic status and what Diddy said about performing for Christian’s mom, Kim Porter.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs said Kim Porter ‘dreamed’ of seeing him perform alongside their son, Christian ‘King’ Combs

Christian “King” Combs and Sean “Diddy” Combs had a blast performing together at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Diddy received the Global Icon Award and spoke to Entertainment Tonight about how amazing it felt to get on stage with his son.

“Since he was 4 years old, he would yell and scream to come on stage with me,” Diddy said. “When I was doing my encores, he would yell and scream to come on stage, like, really, really, cause a fit. And so, as the years went on, wanting to pursue his rap career — his last single was the No. 1 record — and this is our third time performing. But, our biggest time where he really, really held it down. I’m proud of him. But, it started when he was 4 years old. So, to be up there rocking with him is so surreal.”

Christian felt equally as excited to hop on stage. “I’ve been watching my pop since I was a kid,” he admitted. “I was always fiending to get on the stage. And I always just felt crazy if I didn’t get to touch it, like, I was sad. So, to bring me out on the biggest stage of music is crazy.” Christian noted that his father was “the best to ever do it — period.”

Diddy then reflected on how he and Christian decided to dedicate the performance to Christian’s mother, Kim Porter. Porter and Diddy dated on and off from 1994 to 2007. In addition to Christian, they have twins Jessie James Combs and D’Lila Combs. Porter died in 2018 from pneumonia.

“We’re gonna do this one for his mother,” Diddy said. “This is the first one we did for his mom. … This was always a dream of hers that we’d be on stage together, like, in a big way, global, televised event.”

Christian ‘King’ Combs said his mother ‘always wanted’ him to make more music

Christian Combs has always shared a close and heartfelt bond with his late mother, Kim Porter. Sean “Diddy” Combs’ son often speaks about the deep impact his mother had on his life. Since her passing in 2018, Christian has honored Porter’s legacy through his music, fashion, and public appearances, frequently crediting her strength and love for keeping him grounded.

“She always wanted me to put out more music,” Christian said while on Hot 97 in 2019.

Christian noted that he and his siblings are “real tight” because of Porter’s influence. “Me, and my sisters, and my brothers — I feel like … her being the glue, now that she’s gone, made us realize, hold on, we gotta really stick together and hold each other down.”

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ kids condemned the ‘spectacle’ created from Kim Porter’s death

Kim Porter’s death rocked Sean “Diddy” Combs and his kids. Quincy Brown, Christian “King,” Jessie, and D’Lila Combs posted a joint statement to Instagram in September 2024 that condemned those suggesting their father had something to do with Porter’s passing. The post explains how the “hurtful and false rumors” have resulted in them speaking out together.

“While it has been incredibly difficult to reconcile how she could be taken from us too soon, the cause of her death has long been established,” they wrote. “There was no foul play. … We are deeply saddened that the world has made a spectacle of what has been the most tragic event of our lives. Our mother should be remembered for the beautiful, strong, kind, and loving woman she was. Her memory should not be tainted by horrific conspiracy theories.”

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