Michael Rubin Ends White Party Tradition Amid Diddy Controversy

HAMPTONS, N.Y. — Michael Rubin, the billionaire CEO of Fanatics, has decided to end his annual White Party, a star-studded July 4 event that has drawn A-list celebrities like Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady to his $50 million Hamptons mansion. The decision comes amid controversy surrounding rap mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, whose own White Parties have been linked to allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use.

Rubin, 52, hosted the event for four consecutive years, with last year’s gathering featuring performances by Drake, Travis Scott, and Mary J. Blige. The party, known for its Gatsby-esque glamour and strict white dress code, became a magnet for social climbers, some of whom reportedly offered up to $5 million for an invitation. However, Rubin has opted to pivot toward charitable events, including a black-tie casino fundraiser for Reform Alliance, a criminal justice charity.

“The White Party is about bringing great people together and having them all learn from each other … and so many deals come out of it,” Rubin told The Sunday Times. “But we wanted to end it on a high note.”

Sources close to Rubin claim the decision was influenced by the tarnished reputation of Diddy’s White Parties, which ended in 2009 but have recently resurfaced in lawsuits alleging sexual assault and drug trafficking. Diddy has denied all allegations, but the association has made the “white” theme untenable for Rubin. “Anything but white,” one source said of the future event’s theme.

Rubin, whose Fanatics empire is valued at $25 billion, has built a reputation as a master networker, blending business and pleasure seamlessly. His company dominates the sports merchandise industry, with partnerships spanning the NFL, NBA, and Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Aston Villa. Fanatics also recently expanded into sports betting and collectibles, acquiring Topps for $500 million in 2022.

Despite the end of the White Party, Rubin remains focused on his business ventures. “I’m not embarrassed to say this [but] I don’t have hobbies. Business is my life, it’s what I love to do … and it’s the one thing I’m pretty good at,” he said. Rubin plans to host a summer party in 2026, though details remain under wraps.

Meanwhile, Diddy faces multiple lawsuits and federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. Rubin, however, has distanced himself from the controversy, emphasizing his commitment to charitable causes and his business empire.