Sting Says Diddy Allegations Don't 'Taint' 'Every Breath You Take' for Him: 'It's Still My Song'

The Police hit was famously sampled by the disgraced music mogul for his Grammy-winning track “I’ll Be Missing You”

Despite the allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs, “Every Breath You Take” remains untainted — at least for the man who wrote it.

In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times published on Monday, Nov. 11, Sting revealed that despite what “went on” with the disgraced music mogul — who famously sampled the 1983 Police hit in his and Faith Evans’ 1997 song “I’ll Be Missing You” — the original track belongs to him.

When asked whether Combs’ current situation has affected how he looks at the classic ‘80s song, the Police songwriter and bassist, 73, had a pretty straightforward response: “No.”

“I mean, I don’t know what went on [with Diddy],” he added. “But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song.”

Related: What Is Diddy Accused Of? His Scathing Criminal Charges, Explained — and What They Mean for the Rapper

Plus, when the L.A. Times interviewer pointed out that people still love to hear “Every Breath You Take,” he added, “Absolutely.”

The rock legend also gave a glimpse into his general philosophy about sampling while discussing a more recent collaboration, 2023’s “Dreaming” with Pink and Marshmello, which uses one of his solo hits, “Fields of Gold.”

When asked why he thinks his music keeps drawing younger musicians, Sting told the outlet he has no clue — but doesn’t mind it.

“I have no idea, but when somebody wants to interpolate or whatever it’s called, I never object because I always learn something about the song that I hadn’t known or anticipated,” the rocker said. “And I get paid, so why not? It keeps them current.”

“Songs are living organisms — you have to keep breathing life into them or giving them new bedfellows,” he finished.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Combs — who not only sampled Sting in “I’ll Be Missing You” but also performed it with the rocker at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards — has been in jail since his September arrest on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The music mogul, 55, was taken into custody on Sept. 16 after nearly a year of ongoing investigations which included home raids and several lawsuits against him, alleging sex abuse and rape.

Diddy was indicted on three charges, and a judge denied the $50 million bail proposal that his attorney put forth. He is currently at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center while he awaits trial.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.