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Gizmodo
an hour ago
- Gizmodo
Dr. Phil's Anti-Woke News Channel Went Bankrupt. His Next Platform Is Even More Doomed
Dr. Phil might not be a real medical doctor, but he sure seems to be good at reanimating his own corpse, because somehow he just keeps coming back from the dead. Just a couple of weeks after his streaming venture, Merit Street Media, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, the second-most-embarassing person that Oprah rocketed into fame is launching another venture called Envoy Media Co., according to The Hollywood Reporter. Envoy, much like Merit Street, will be anchored by original programming starring Dr. Phil and Steve Harvey. It'll also include a library of content (Merit Street had a whole back catalogue of Harvey's talk show and Nancy Grace's 'Crime Stories,' so keep an eye out for those). An Envoy television channel is expected to launch later this month, per Bloomberg. But the real hook is a feature that will let 'citizen journalists' upload their own content to the platform. According to the company, it'll give people the chance to 'share news and stories from their communities while seamlessly integrating curated user-generated content on a national scale.' The details on how that'll work are sparse at this stage, but it surely won't lead to terrible outcomes. The citizen journalist schtick has been tried ad infinitum in the social media era. There is a graveyard full of efforts to create a platform built around such content. Arguably, platforms like Substack and Medium have come the closest to creating something sustainable around such a thing, but even those are dominated more by professional, independent journalists rather than your average Joe. If anything, the YouTubes and Twitters of the world have proven the most effective way to turn a local story into a national one. But who knows, maybe Envoy will crack the code on curating citizen reporting. It's not like Dr. Phil has a history of running with dubious claims for the sake of content or anything. If there is any reason to believe that Envoy Media will be a success, you won't find it by looking at Dr. Phil's last venture. The streaming option launched in 2024 with a linear cable app and streaming options. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the channel averaged 27,000 viewers during its first year of operation, which is…bad. Its short run through 2025 saw those figures drop to 17,000 viewers, which, if you're keeping score, is worse. Even the channel's YouTube channel languished, despite Dr. Phil having a pretty robust presence on the platform. Merit Media has under 90,000 subscribers, and its most recent videos have barely cracked 1,000 views. Not exactly the kind of audience that warrants its own standalone service, but hey, it ain't my money.
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Diddy beats RICO, found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking
The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial reached a verdict on all counts Wednesday. The jury found Diddy not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was found guilty on both counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. COUNT 1 - RICO: NOT GUILTY COUNT 2 - SEX TRAFFICKING, CASSIE VENTURA: NOT GUILTY COUNT 3 - MANN ACT TRANSPORTATION, CASSIE VENTURA: GUILTY COUNT 4 - SEX TRAFFICKING, JANE: NOT GUILTY COUNT 5 - MANN ACT TRANSPORTATION, JANE: GUILTY A federal RICO violation can result in a 20-year sentence. The transportation to engage in prostitution charge could carry a sentence of up to 10 years, while sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion may carry a 20-year sentence. "We've been saying all along in this case that it's been overcharged by the government, that they were taking these very nuanced relationships, and trying to make them criminal," Harvey Weinstein's former lawyer, Donna Rotunno, told Fox News. "I think Marc [Agnifilo] did a really good job in his closing arguments, highlighting that to the jury. Overall, this is a huge loss to the government, the money that they spent on this prosecution, the amount of press, notoriety, this is a definite win for Mr. Combs." DIDDY JURY DEADLOCKED AFTER RAPPER'S DEFENSE PLAYED 'HIGH STAKES POKER': EXPERT Diddy's jury seemed to believe that his relationships were genuine, according to Fox News contributor Paul Mauro. "At the end of the day, the jury did not believe that the sex trafficking was coercive," the retired NYPD inspector said. "They seemed to believe the relationships were genuine and/or transactional. That took those charges and the RICO with it. It argues that the case was overcharged under the evidence the government had." Parties will be granted a few hours to arrange arguments regarding Diddy's detention. The judge joked that he assumed Diddy does not want to return to MDC Brooklyn. The rapper shook his head very exaggeratedly and then looked up with his hands together as if praying. After the judge left, Diddy knelt down with his arms on the chair in front of him. He then got up, faced the gallery and started clapping. The courtroom opened up in applause and cheers for him. Combs could be heard saying "thank God" and "I love you" several times. The lawyers all hugged. Defense attorney Teny Geragos was crying as she hugged Combs' family. The family all embraced sharing hugs and handshakes. People in the courtroom shouted "dream team" to the lawyers. WATCH: CROWDS GATHER OUTSIDE NYC COURTROOM AFTER DIDDY'S VERDICT REVEALED DIDDY JURY SETBACK COULD INDICATE A 'STEALTH JUROR,' MIGHT SIGNAL MAJOR ADVANTAGE FOR DEFENSE: EXPERT Cassie Ventura's lawyer reacted to the verdict on behalf of his client. Cassie, who dated Diddy from 2007 until 2018, testified during the sex trafficking and racketeering trial. "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." Diddy returned to the courtroom Wednesday morning wearing another beige sweater while the jury continued deliberating. He hugged his lawyers and waved to his mother and a supporter who was whispering, "Hi Diddy" to him. The rapper also made the heart symbol with his hand. Combs then spoke to the court marshals briefly before standing and facing his family. He said a brief prayer, asking God to watch over his family and bless the jurors. The family all bowed their heads and said "amen" when Diddy finished. The family then clapped. On Tuesday, after nearly 14 hours of deliberation, the jury revealed they had reached a verdict on four of the five counts Diddy faces. The jury indicated they couldn't reach a unanimous decision on the racketeering charge, one of the most serious counts against the disgraced music mogul. After receiving the fourth note of substance from the jury, the court directed them to continue deliberating on the racketeering conspiracy. The jury was brought out and a portion of the instructions were re-read by Judge Arun Subramanian. When the jury was brought back into the courtroom, the judge asked them to keep deliberating, saying it is their duty to discuss among themselves and form opinions. Judge Subramanian said the jurors must reach a unanimous verdict, but must not give up their convictions merely to return a verdict or satisfy the rest of the jurors. The jury was then dismissed back to the jury room. WATCH: CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY 'NOT SURPRISED' BY PARTIAL VERDICT IN DIDDY TRIAL DIDDY JURY REACHES PARTIAL VERDICT IN SEX TRAFFICKING, RACKETEERING TRIAL Jurors began deliberating on Monday, June 30, after hearing seven weeks of trial testimony. The prosecution chose to rest the case on June 24. Special Agent Joseph Cerciello was the final witness to take the stand for the prosecution, making him the 34th person to testify. Diddy's defense called no witnesses. Diddy pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The disgraced music mogul was arrested in September 2024, months after Homeland Security Investigations raided the Los Angeles and Miami homes of the rapper. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS During closing arguments, Diddy's attorney, Marc Agnifilo, insisted the rapper was innocent. He noted that it takes courage for a juror to acquit. "Return him to his family who have been waiting for him." He also accused the prosecution of bringing a "fake trial" against Diddy, claiming the government went after his "private sex life." According to his lawyer, none of the prosecution witnesses testified to engaging in racketeering. Agnifilo pointed out the disgraced music mogul's former employees all described working for him as hard, but also said it was like "going to Harvard Business School." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Before the defense's closing arguments, the government explained how the trial testimony proved each charge against Diddy – two counts of sex trafficking, racketeering and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution – over the course of roughly four hours. The government emphasized in their argument that Diddy ran an alleged criminal enterprise with full control. The prosecution pointed out that the jury heard testimony, saw texts, viewed bank records and heard audio allegedly showing the "Last Night" rapper committing crime after crime for decades. Prosecutors argued the disgraced music mogul used his inner circle, money and influence to cover up the alleged crimes he committed. "Over the last several weeks, you've learned a lot about Sean Combs," Slavik said at the start of closing statements. "He's a leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn't take no for an answer." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Ellen DeGeneres backs Rosie O'Donnell after Trump threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship
Ellen DeGeneres is showing support for Rosie O'Donnell. One day after President Donald Trump threatened to revoke O'Donnell's U.S. citizenship following her move to Ireland earlier this year, DeGeneres - who also reportedly fled the country after Trump was elected president - gave her fellow comedian a public shout out. "Good for you," DeGeneres, 67, who reposted Trump's threat and O'Donnell's lengthy response on Instagram. On Saturday, Trump referred to O'Donnell as a "threat to humanity." "Because of the fact that Rosie O'Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship," Trump wrote in a post to his social media platform Truth Social. "She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" he added. O'Donnell quickly responded to Trump's jab in several posts that she shared on her social media pages. The "A League of Their Own" star posted a collage of photos centered around a screenshot of Trump's post on Instagram and blasted the politician in the caption. "The president of the USA has always hated the fact that i see him for who he is - a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself," she wrote. "This is why i moved to Ireland - he is a dangerous old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy compassion and basic humanity." "I stand in direct opposition [to] all he represents- so do millions of others - u gonna deport all who stand against ur evil tendencies - ur a bad joke who cant form a coherent sentence," O'Donnell added along with the hashtag "never trump." The former talk show host later shared a screenshot of her Instagram post on TikTok, where she slammed Trump in the caption, writing that he was a "disgrace to all our beautiful country stands for" and a "danger to our nation." O'Donnell went on to bash Trump as a "mentally ill untreated criminal," claiming that he "lied to America for a decade" during his time hosting the hit reality TV series "The Apprentice." "Had u grown up in NY - as I did - u would know what a total fool he is. Add me to the list of people who oppose him at every turn -it's now or never America," she wrote. Representatives for the White House and DeGeneres did not respond to Fox News Digital's immediate request for comment. A representative for O'Donnell told Fox News Digital, "Rosie is thankful for her support." Despite Trump's post, O'Donnell's citizenship is unlikely to be in jeopardy. The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to any person born in the United States and the actress was born in Commack, New York. In addition, many legal experts agree that the government cannot unilaterally revoke the citizenship of a natural-born citizen. One exception is if the government was able to prove that citizenship was obtained through fraud in the case of naturalization. In addition, citizenship can be revoked if an individual commits certain actions, including treason, serving in a foreign military engaged in hostilities against the U.S., or renouncing citizenship. O'Donnell confirmed her move to Ireland in March, saying she left the U.S. days before Trump's inauguration, and explained the new location would be a good fit for her 12-year-old son, Clay. DeGeneres, much like O'Donnell, left the country recently to establish a new life with wife Portia de Rossi across the pond. In April, O'Donnell admitted that while she hasn't been in touch with DeGeneres lately, she was "shocked" to hear why the former talk show host fled the United States. "I've never really known Ellen to say anything political in her life, so I was surprised to read that she left because of President Trump. Like, that shocked me, actually," O'Donnell told Us Weekly. "I've been a political person my whole life, not better or worse, it's just a different way to be in the world." "I was very clear about the reason why I was leaving, and I don't think it came as a surprise to anyone. We're not really in each other's worlds, and it's been kind of awkward but you know what? I wish her the best. I wish that she has peace and love in her life and that she is OK." While they've never had a strong relationship, O'Donnell insisted she harbors no ill will for the comedian. "I don't want to fight against another gay woman. It's not like we're tenaciously opposed to each other," O'Donnell told the outlet. "We're just very different people. We have had some stuff in the past that we never resolved. And not in any way as, as partners or lovers or anything like that, just as friends and comedians, but I wish her the best. I seriously do." She added, "I think that there's enough room in the world for all of the gay comedians, and we all need to stick together because gay people are the next group to be threatened. And the way they attack trans people is absolutely terrifying."
