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CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Sean 'Diddy' Combs convicted on prostitution counts, but cleared of more serious charges
NEW YORK: Sean "Diddy" Combs was found guilty on Wednesday (Jul 2) of prostitution-related offences, but cleared of more serious charges after a criminal trial in which two of the music mogul's former girlfriends testified that he physically and sexually abused them. Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, a partial win for the former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture. After the jury read its verdict, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked Subramanian to release Combs on bail. "This is his first conviction and it's a prostitution offence, and so he should be released on appropriate conditions," Agnifilo said. Combs faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence on each of the two prostitution counts. United States District Judge Arun Subramanian will determine Combs' sentence at a later date. The acquittals on the sex trafficking counts mean he will avoid a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He could have faced life in prison if he were convicted on sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy. 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. Ventura sued Combs in November 2023 for sex trafficking, the first of dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Combs, also known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy and once feted for turning artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, settled with Ventura for US$20 million. He has denied all wrongdoing. At the trial, jurors saw surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in the hallway of an InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles, where she said she was trying to leave a "Freak Off." Jane later testified that Combs in June 2024 attacked her and directed her to perform oral sex on a male entertainer, even though she told him she did not want to. That alleged attack took place a month after Combs apologised on social media for his 2016 attack of Ventura, footage of which had been broadcast on CNN. According to prosecutors, physical violence was just one way Combs compelled Ventura and Jane to take part in the performances - an act of coercion they say amounts to sex trafficking because the male escorts were paid. Both women testified that he threatened to withhold financial support and to leak sexually explicit images of them if they refused to comply. "The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted," prosecutor Christy Slavik said in her closing argument on Jun 26. "He doesn't take no for an answer." Combs' defence lawyers argued that while Combs may have committed domestic violence in the context of volatile romantic partnerships, his conduct did not amount to sex trafficking. They argued that Ventura and Jane were strong, independent women who voluntarily took part in the sexual performances because they wanted to please Combs. Both women testified they spent time with Combs and took part in sexual performances after he beat them. Defence lawyers argued that Ventura and Jane were retrospectively accusing Combs of forcing their participation in the performances because they were jealous he was seeing other women. "If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn't all be here," Combs' defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in his closing argument on Jun 27. "He did not do the things he's charged with." RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY Besides Ventura and Jane, jurors also heard testimony from Combs' former personal assistants who said their jobs included setting up hotel rooms for "Freak Offs" and buying their boss drugs. An InterContinental security guard testified that Combs, in the presence of his chief of staff, paid him US$100,000 to hand over what he thought was the only copy of the surveillance tape of his attack on Ventura. And Scott Mescudi, the rapper known as Kid Cudi, told jurors Combs was likely involved in an arson on his car after Combs found out he was romantically involved with Ventura. According to prosecutors, those were all acts Combs and his associates undertook in furtherance of a racketeering conspiracy whose aim was, in part, to facilitate his abuse and keep evidence of his wrongdoing under wraps. The defence argued Combs was a successful entrepreneur who used drugs recreationally, but kept his professional and personal lives separate.
CNA
13 hours ago
- CNA
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Online Citizen
16 hours ago
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‘Squid Game' Season 3 dominates Netflix charts with record-breaking global viewership
'Squid Game' Season 3 has cemented its place in streaming history, dominating Netflix's global charts with unprecedented viewership figures. According to an announcement by Netflix on Wednesday, the third and final season of the Korean original series drew an astounding 60 million views from 23 to 29 June 2025. This impressive figure firmly secured its position atop Netflix's non-English chart, surpassing its nearest rival by nearly tenfold. The Spanish series 'Olympo' garnered only a fraction of the views, highlighting the unmatched popularity of 'Squid Game.' The surge in interest for Season 3 also prompted viewers to revisit earlier seasons. Season 2 climbed to third place, while Season 1 re-entered the chart at sixth place during the same period. This renewed attention underscores the series' enduring appeal and cultural impact. Remarkably, the latest season's viewership exceeded the combined total of all top 10 English-language shows, which collectively drew 34.5 million views. The leading English series, 'The Waterfront,' managed only 11.6 million views in comparison. 'Squid Game' has consistently drawn global attention since its debut in 2021, captivating audiences with its intense depiction of desperate individuals competing in deadly games for a cash prize. The final season brought this narrative to a dramatic conclusion, focusing on the journey of the main character, Gi-hun, and the ultimate resolution of the high-stakes competition. The third season comprises six episodes, all released globally on Friday, 27 June 2025. Fans eagerly awaited the finale, which promised to tie up complex storylines and reveal the fate of central characters. Early reactions have praised the season for its emotional depth and gripping suspense. With the conclusion of Season 3, the creators have signalled that no further seasons are planned. However, speculation about possible spin-offs or related projects continues among fans and industry insiders.
