Sean 'Diddy' Combs convicted on prostitution counts, but found not guilty of more serious sex trafficking charges
Prosecutors say Combs for two decades used his business empire to force two of his romantic partners to take part in drug-fueled, days-long sexual performances sometimes known as "Freak Offs" with male sex workers in hotel rooms while Combs watched, masturbated and occasionally filmed.
During raids of Combs' homes, authorities found drugs and 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant that he would use in the performances, prosecutors said.
Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty to all five counts. His lawyers acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder, once famed for hosting lavish parties for the cultural elite in luxurious locales like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, was at times violent in his domestic relationships. But they said the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
The seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court exposed the inner workings of Combs' business empire and gave the 12-member jury an intimate look into his volatile romantic relationships with the rhythm and blues singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane.
On Tuesday, US District Judge Arun Subramanian ordered the jury to continue its closed-door discussions for a third day after the panel of eight men and four women said it was unable to reach consensus on the top count: racketeering conspiracy.
The judge agreed with prosecutors and Combs' defence team that less than 13 hours of deliberations was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts.
The jury's decision on the other charges — two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution — remains under wraps for now.
In a note to the court late Tuesday, the jury said 'unpersuadable opinions on both sides' among some jurors had prevented the group from reaching a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge.
Racketeering conspiracy is the most complicated charge in the trial and carries a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
The sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The disclosure of the jury note about the partial verdict seemed to put defence attorneys and their client in a dour mood even before it was read in open court by the judge.
Eight defence lawyers formed a half-circle behind Combs as the smiles and lighthearted mood that accompanied the arrival of other jury notes over two days seemed absent as the attorneys contemplated the possibility that jurors had reached agreement on counts that carry the heaviest sentencing penalties.
Combs, 55, appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point, the hip-hop mogul solemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him.
After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day.
Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, 'Love you' and 'I'll be all right.'
Marshals then led him from the room.
Earlier in their deliberations the jury asked to review testimony from Cassie, the R&B singer who was Diddy's former longtime girlfriend, as well as from Daniel Phillip, a male stripper Diddy is accused of paying to have sex with Cassie.
Prosecutors say Combs coerced two girlfriends into drug-fuelled sex marathons with male sex workers.
Lawyers for the Bad Boy Records founder contend prosecutors are trying to criminalise Combs' swinger lifestyle. They say his conduct, if anything, amounted to domestic violence, not federal felonies.
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
A timeline of the rise of Sean 'Diddy' Combs and his legal troubles
For more than two decades, Sean 'Diddy' Combs was one of hip-hop's most nimble entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show. Then he was charged with forcing, threatening and manipulating two ex-girlfriends into drug-fueled sex marathons, with assistance from a network of associates. Combs denied the allegations and went to trial in a high-stakes federal sex crimes and racketeering case. The trial ended Wednesday with a verdict that his attorneys called a victory: Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Here is a timeline of major events in his life story: 1990-1999 1990: Combs, then a student at Howard University, gets his start in the music business with an internship at Uptown Records in New York. Dec. 28, 1991: Nine people die at a celebrity basketball game promoted by Combs and the rapper Heavy D when thousands of fans try to get into a gym at the City College of New York. A mayoral report lays part of the blame for the catastrophe on poor planning by Combs. 1992: Combs is one of the executive producers on Mary J. Blige's debut album, 'What's the 411?" 1993: After being fired by Uptown, Combs establishes his own label, Bad Boy, which quickly cuts a lucrative deal with Arista Records. 1994: Bad Boy releases Notorious B.I.G.'s album 'Ready to Die." Two months later, Tupac Shakur survives a shooting in New York and accuses Combs and Biggie of having prior knowledge of the attack, which they deny. Shakur was later killed in a 1996 shooting in Las Vegas. 1996: Combs is convicted of criminal mischief after he allegedly threatened a photographer with a gun. 1997: Biggie is killed in Los Angeles. Combs, then known as Puff Daddy, releases 'I'll be Missing You' in honor of his dead star. 1998: Combs wins two Grammys, one for best rap album for his debut 'No Way Out' and another for best rap performance by a duo or group for 'I'll Be Missing You' with Faith Evans. Also that year, Combs' Sean John fashion line is founded. April 16, 1999: Combs and his bodyguards are charged with attacking Interscope Records music executive Steve Stoute in his New York office in a dispute over a music video. Combs is sentenced to an anger management course. Dec. 27, 1999: Combs is arrested on gun possession charges after he and his girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, fled a shooting that wounded three people at a New York City nightclub. Some witnesses tell police Combs was among the people shooting in the club. He is later charged with offering his driver $50,000 to claim ownership of the 9 mm handgun found in his car. 2001-2008 March 17, 2001: Combs is acquitted of all charges related to the nightclub shooting. One of his rap protégés, Jamal 'Shyne' Barrow, is convicted in the shooting and serves nearly nine years in prison. Two weeks after the trial, Combs announces he wants to be known as P. Diddy. (Barrow also later changed his name, to Moses Barrow, and became a parliamentarian in his native Belize). 2002: Combs becomes the producer and star of 'Making the Band,' a talent search TV show. Feb. 1, 2004: Combs performs at the Super Bowl halftime show along with Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake and others. A week later, Combs, Nelly and Murphy Lee win a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group for 'Shake Ya Tailfeather.' April 2004: Combs makes his Broadway acting debut in 'A Raisin in the Sun.' 2005: Combs announces he is changing his stage name to Diddy, getting rid of the P. March 2008: Combs settles a lawsuit brought by a man who claims Combs punched him after a post-Oscar party outside a Hollywood hotel the previous year. In May, Combs is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 2015-2022 2015: Combs is arrested after a confrontation on the campus of UCLA, where one of his sons played football. Assault charges are later dropped. 2016: Combs launches a Harlem charter school, the Capital Preparatory School. Also that year, he announces he is donating $1 million to Howard University. 2017: Combs is named the top earner on Forbes' list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities, which says he brought in $130 million in a single year. 2018: Kim Porter, Combs' former girlfriend and the mother of three of his children, dies from pneumonia at age 47. 2022: Combs receives a lifetime honor at the BET Awards. 2023-2025 Sept. 15, 2023: Combs releases 'The Love Album — Off the Grid,' his first solo studio project since 2006's chart-topping 'Press Play.' Nov. 16, 2023: R&B singer Cassie sues Combs, alleging that during their decade-plus as a couple, he subjected her to abuse, including beatings and rape. A day later, the lawsuit is settled under undisclosed terms. Combs, through his attorney, denies the accusations. Nov. 23, 2023: Two more women accuse Combs of sexual abuse in lawsuits. Combs' attorneys call the allegations false. Dozens of additional lawsuits follow by women and men who accuse Combs of rape, sexual assault and other attacks. Plaintiffs include singer Dawn Richard, a 'Making the Band' contestant who alleged years of psychological and physical abuse. Combs denies all the allegations. March 25, 2024: Federal agents search Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida. May 17, 2024: CNN airs video that shows Combs attacking and beating Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Two days later, Combs posts videos on social media apologizing for the assault. Sept. 16, 2024: Combs is arrested at his Manhattan hotel. A federal sex trafficking and racketeering indictment unsealed the next day accuses him of using his business empire to coerce women into participating in sexual performances. Combs denies the allegations. His attorney calls it an unjust prosecution of an 'imperfect person.' May 5, 2025: Jury selection begins for Combs' trial. May 12, 2025: A jury is selected and testimony begins in Combs' trial. June 30, 2025: Jury deliberations begin in Combs' trial. July 2, 2025: The jury convicts Combs of two counts of a prostitution-related offense but acquits him of higher-level charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome significantly reduces the rap mogul's potential prison sentence, which a judge will determine in the months to come. His lawyers unsuccessfully ask for him to be released on bond in the meantime. Combs is visibly relieved by the verdict, and his lead lawyer calls it "a victory of all victories.'
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
American tries British afternoon tea and issues damning verdict
Afternoon tea is a well-loved British tradition and social occasion featuring tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes – and one American living in the UK had his first experience with it Afternoon tea stands as one of Britain's most cherished customs. Originating in the 18th century, it continues to flourish today as a beloved ritual consisting of tea, delicate finger sandwiches, scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. Beyond the culinary delights, it serves as a social occasion typically savoured in relaxed but elegant surroundings, such as hotels or dedicated tea rooms. This quintessentially British experience interests tourists and newcomers to the UK, including TikTok creator KJordy, who relocated from America to London and shared his first time experiencing this age-old honoured tradition. In his TikTok video he confessed he couldn't imagine anything more "posh", "dainty" or "exquisite" than afternoon tea, prompting him to sample it firsthand. As he arrived at the venue, KJordy was initially presented with an elegant black case containing various tea varieties. Sitting at his table with the afternoon tea stand before him, his immediate reaction was that it "looks hella bougie." KJordy gestured towards the top tier which contained the 'sandwiches', but was actually a selection of breads including brioche. The middle tier featured the desserts, while the bottom was home to the scones he was so "excited" for. The American began by pouring himself a cup of red tea, before adding a splash of milk. After tasting the brew, he grimaced slightly but concluded it was "not bad". KJordy then sampled a portion of egg truffle brioche, which he appeared to relish more than the tea. However, he still described it as "not bad". Moving on to the scones, he sliced one in half and slathered some clotted cream followed by jam onto the lower half before placing the top portion back on. After tucking into the scone he declared: "A scone is the same as our biscuits. I'm here for scones." The expat then turned his attention to the desserts, which he described as "interesting". His favourite was the roly poly, which he described as "the best dessert so far". Delivering his final judgement on this British custom he summarised: "The afternoon tea I think it's just for socialising like [the] presentation is what looks the best. Taste wise, I could give or take. Overall, afternoon tea for me it's a six out of ten." People weren't happy that KJordy was "disappointed" by the afternoon tea – as many pointed out he was eating and drinking it all wrong. One remarked: "That tea looked like a rooibos, fruit or herbal tea which should never have milk." Another user chimed in: "Milk with the fruit tea? Nope... just nope!" A third advised: "If you've never experienced afternoon tea, you should definitely go with someone who's experienced. Milk in fruit tea – yikes." On the subject of scone etiquette, one person said: "Sir did you just eat that scone like a sandwich? No, no, no, we eat each half separately, it makes it feel like two scones." Another echoed: "Scone was eaten incorrectly! Eat half at a time."
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Tommy Fury offered big money by Jake Paul for rematch after Tyson Fury text
Paul has offered Tommy Fury $5million to try and get their rematch over the line after the 'Gypsy King' sent him a desperate text to try and make the fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has offered bitter rival Tommy Fury $5million (£4m) in a bid to make the rematch official. The pair initially squared off in 2023 after years of trading barbs. Despite dropping Fury in the final round of the contest, Paul ended up losing the bout on the judges' scorecards. Both men have been in an ongoing verbal tussle over a second meeting since their first encounter, but an agreement has not been reached yet. With talks over a potential rematch heating up, Tyson Fury – Tommy Fury's older brother – has even reached out to the 'Problem Child.' Speaking with Seconds Out, the 'Gypsy King' said: "I hoped they would. I've even texted Jake Paul to say 'what's going on do you want to get it on with Tommy and make the fight happen. I just think there's a lot of egos involved in boxing. It's a lot of 'he said this, she said that, I want this, I want that'. When things like that happen, it's difficult to make fights as you've seen over the years." In response to Fury's viral interview comments, Paul's business associate Nakisa Bidarian took to X – the formerly known as Twitter – making it public knowledge that Tyson had indeed messaged Jake. Bidarian confirmed: "I can confirm he did text Jake and say you and Tommy need the rematch. I can also confirm Jake responded that said he offered Tommy $5million and he's not getting that money from anyone else", reports All Out Fighting. Paul, 28, is hoping for a busy 2025 in the ring following his return to action last weekend. The 'Problem Child' squared off against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in his first bout since beating Mike Tyson last November. From start to finished, the young American dominated proceedings and eventually won the clash on points. Just moments after the win, Paul did not hesitate to challenge a wide range of fighters, including cruiserweight champions Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack, as well as Fury. But it was Nakisa Bidarian, Paul's business partner, who later elaborated on this ambitious lineup. "I want tougher fighters. I want to be world champion. Zurdo looked slow as s*** tonight. That'd be easy work, too," Paul confidently proclaimed. "Badou Jack. I want everybody. Anthony Joshua, Gervonta. And Tommy, stop running. I'm hustling, getting warmed up. You've already seen my face, get used to seeing it more." Pressed about when he'll step back into the ring, he declared: "As soon as possible. I'm staying active, I'm fighting everybody." Casting light on Paul's future plans, Bidarian pinpointed a rematch with Fury - aiming to avenge his previous 2023 loss to the British star. "If it's not for the title, then it's looking at Tommy, if he's reasonable, then Anthony Joshua. He's adamant he wants to make that fight happen at the end of 2026, and we're set to pow-wow with Matchroom when we're in New York for the most epic trilogy in boxing history - Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor 3."
