John Legend’s Manager Recalls Terrifying Experience at Diddy Party, Calls for Change in Music Industry

Ty Stiklorius, longtime manager of John Legend and founder of the management company Friends at Work, has shared her harrowing experience at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs, shedding light on the toxic culture in the music industry. In a poignant piece published in the New York Times titled The Music Industry Is Toxic. After P. Diddy, We Can Clean It Up, Stiklorius opens up about the alarming environment she encountered at one of Diddy’s infamous yacht parties 27 years ago.

Reflecting on that night, Stiklorius, who was a college graduate at the time, describes being “directed into a bedroom by a man” whose identity and connection to Diddy remained unclear. Her account reveals the distressing reality many individuals face in the entertainment world. “To this day, I can’t remember how I managed to talk my way out of that terrifying situation,” she recalls. “Perhaps my nervous babbling — ‘My brother’s on this boat, and he’s probably looking for me!’ — convinced him to unlock the bedroom door and let me go.”

Initially, Stiklorius believed her experience was an isolated incident, attributing it to “just one guy behaving badly at a drunken party.” However, the recent wave of accusations against Diddy has prompted her to reevaluate that perspective. In her article, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing that such incidents are not anomalies but rather indicative of a larger issue within the music industry. “After 20 years as a music industry executive… [I now know] what happened that night was no aberration — it was an indicator of a pervasive culture in the music industry that actively fostered sexual misconduct and exploited the lives and bodies of those hoping to make it in the business,” she writes.

Stiklorius reflects on the impact of her early experiences with predators in the industry, admitting they nearly led her to abandon her career. However, she credits her longtime friendship with John Legend for helping her navigate those challenges. “My friend John helped change that,” she notes, underscoring the significance of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.

As more individuals come forward with their stories of abuse in the music industry, Stiklorius expresses hope for a transformative shift. She advocates for accountability and positive change, stating, “We can clean it up.” Her call to action resonates strongly in the wake of mounting allegations against powerful figures in the entertainment world, urging the industry to confront its toxic culture.

With the spotlight now on the experiences of those who have faced harassment and abuse, Stiklorius’s revelations serve as a crucial reminder of the need for systemic change in the music industry. As conversations around accountability and safety continue, her courageous decision to share her story contributes to a growing movement advocating for a safer and more equitable environment for all artists and industry professionals.

The music industry stands at a crossroads, and Stiklorius’s experience serves as both a warning and a call for action. By shining a light on her past, she hopes to inspire others to share their experiences and join the fight for a healthier and more respectful industry.