Lewis Hamilton severs ties with Diddy, deletes pics with rapper amid probe despite 'brotherly' bond

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has reportedly ended his association with Sean "Diddy" Combs after the rap mogul's arrest over sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

The seven-time F1 champion deleted all social media photos featuring him and Diddy despite once tagging their connection as "brothers," Newsweek reported.

The rapper was arrested on 16 September at Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan on federal charges. He pled not guilty to the charges and is currently awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Lewis Hamilton once shared a 'brotherly' relationship with Diddy

Though Lewis Hamilton erased all social media posts and photos with the disgraced music mogul, a screenshot of a particular picture is circulating online, indicating both shared a deep connection in the past.

The photo was from the 2018 Met Gala in New York, where both posed together in an all-white attire.

The F1 champion's post on X (formerly Twitter) read, "Brothers (dressed) in white. I grew up watching and listening to my man, 'Puff.' Being here today as brother is an honor and a privilege. I appreciate you for all you do, for being one of the best and for always showing love. Blessings."

Hamilton cutting his ties with Diddy could be an apparent attempt to avoid scrutiny after old videos and photos of celebrities from entertainment and politics started to resurface on social media following the rapper's fall from fame.

Since his arrest, more than 120 lawsuits have been filed against Diddy, accusing him of abuse and misconduct. He was also denied bail despite a $50 million bond.

Diddy invited Lewis Hamilton to party during the F1 driver's early career

Before Lewis Hamilton established himself as a successful Formula 1 driver, Diddy invited him for a dinner party that kick-started their close bond.

In 2007, when the now-Mercedes driver debuted in F1, he had his first meeting with the rapper. Hamilton, who started his career driving McLaren, said during the 2007 British Grand Prix that Diddy invited him to a dinner party.

The rapper waited to meet the F1 rookie and sat with him instead of other high-profile guests, according to The Guardian.

"I got a call to say that P Diddy had invited me to a special dinner. When I got there, they were waiting for me, and I sat down next to P Diddy. Out of all his guests, I was sitting next to him," Hamilton said at the time.

However, it is not clear whether it was a normal dinner party or one of Diddy's "freak-offs" that ultimately landed him in jail.