Kesha has announced that she will be changing the opening lyrics to her debut single “TikTok,” which originally includes a reference to Sean “Diddy” Combs. The singer, who released the hit in 2009 with the line “Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy,” decided to alter the lyric to “Wake up in the morning like f**k P Diddy” in light of the multiple civil lawsuits against him for sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape—allegations that Combs has vehemently denied.
Kesha first performed the modified lyric during a live show with Reneé Rapp at Coachella in March. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the significance of “TikTok,” expressing pride in how the song still embodies the fun and happiness she aimed to convey. She stated:
> “What I’m so proud of is that’s how this song STILL makes me feel, through it all, and those are emotions I want all of us to connect to.”
Kesha emphasized that the change is permanent and plans to re-record the song once she has the legal rights to do so. She sees the updated lyric as a way to protect the joy and authenticity she cherishes in herself and in others.
In related news, Diddy has recently faced a $100 million default judgment linked to a separate sexual assault allegation dating back to a party in 1997. This judgment was awarded to Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, an inmate who accused Combs of drugging and assaulting him. Combs continues to deny all allegations against him.