According to a new report, Sean “Diddy” Combs turned down an offer to fill the third American Idol judging chair because he didn’t want to work closely with ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez.
Us Weekly cites a source as stating that his past with Lopez as well as her manager Benny Medina, who previously represented Diddy, is the reason he turned down the offer.
The source notes that Diddy "felt it was a 'her or me' situation.” Lopez and Diddy dated from 1991-2001. She has since been married and divorced and is now dating backup dancer Casper Smart.
Smart recently confirmed Lopez’s return to Idol. Smart’s confirmation became the official notice before Fox had the opportunity to make the announcement themselves.
Thus far it is unclear who will fill the third Idol judging chair. Rumors that AI alum Jennifer Hudson will return as a judge have not been confirmed.
A rep for Diddy states that the story that his declined the judging position due to Lopez or Medina is “not true.” It is unclear even if an offer ever existed.
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