Latest news with #ArunSubramanian
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Diddy's team slapped down by judge over bizarre Iran defense as monster trial nears verdict
Sean ' Diddy ' Combs' legal team was slapped down by the judge presiding over his trial because of their alleged attempt to use the escalating conflict with Iran in their upcoming closing argument. As the disgraced hip-hop mogul's bombshell sex trafficking trial nears a verdict, his team of attorneys reportedly planned on bringing up the escalating tensions between the US and Iran in court in a bid to relate it to his case, TMZ reported Monday. Sources told the outlet the 55-year-old's defense 'may invoke the recent conflict' in their closing argument, and specifically go after the Homeland Security Investigators who raided his home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles in March. They were allegedly planning to say that the agents 'instigated' their client on his baby oil and lubricant use in the bedroom when they should really focus more on the conflict with Iran, the source noted. On Monday and day 28 of Combs' trial, Iran launched at least 10 missiles at US military bases in Qatar after Donald Trump bombed Iran's nuclear facilities Saturday. In response to reports of the defense's bizarre plan, prosecutor Maurene Comey told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian 'I would object' if they chose to bring up politics, the 'propriety of this prosecution' and the use of government resources on Thursday - when closing arguments are set to begin. In reference to the possibility that the defense might try to relate Iran or any other current political affairs to Combs' trial, his lead attorney Marc Agnifilo said: 'Nothing to worry about, judge.' Combs' defense lasted just 23 minutes Tuesday after he officially confirmed he will not be testifying at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Federal Courthouse in New York City. The three-time Grammy winner denies racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Not only did Combs announce he will not testify, but he also took a moment to schmooze the judge as he did so. Agnifilo told the court they had 'discussed at length' the prospect of him giving evidence. Combs stood up in court as Judge Subramanian asked him: 'Mr Combs, how are you feeling today?' Speaking in a clear and confident voice, Combs said: 'I'm doing great. I wanted to tell you thank you, you're doing an excellent job.' Combs denied he had taken drugs in the last 48 hours and confirmed his mind was clear, adding he had spoken to his lawyers 'thoroughly' about testifying. As the judge tried to confirm Combs had made the decision by himself, Combs cut in and said: 'That is solely my decision. It's my decision with my lawyers'. Combs appeared at ease with his decision as he was seen smiling and hugging his lawyers afterward. He spoke briefly to a friend in the public gallery and appeared optimistic, saying: 'We'll see what happens.' The prosecution brought 34 witnesses to the stand over the span of the trial and portrayed Combs as the head of a 'criminal enterprise' which covered up his 'freak offs' with ex-girlfriends, where they were allegedly forced to have sex with male escorts while he watched. While his team wrapped up their defense quickly, prosecutors spent more than six weeks laying out their case against the embattled rapper. Earlier in the day, the final witness for the prosecution was Joseph Cerciello, a Special Agent with the US Department of Homeland Security Investigations. He walked the jury through summary charts showing text messages, hotel and flight reservations and financial records related to freak offs. Combs' lawyer Teny Geragos attempted to show that the charts were not exhaustive and missed out evidence that painted a different picture. The jury heard messages sent by Jane, one of Combs' ex-girlfriends who testified she was forced into freak offs out of fear he would stop paying her rent, from September 2021. In the messages Combs wrote: 'That s*** was so f****** sexy the other night damn.' The prosecution brought 34 witnesses to the stand over the span of the trial and portrayed Combs as the head of a 'criminal enterprise' which covered up his 'freak offs' with ex-girlfriends, where they were allegedly forced to have sex with male escorts while he watched Jane replied: 'I haven't stopped thinking about it… Did you love it baby?' Combs responded: 'Loved it' as Jane replied with a heart emoji. In her testimony Jane broke down in tears while claiming that Combs threatened to release the videos of the freak offs. But in texts from May 2023 she appeared to complain that he didn't record their sessions. Jane wrote: 'The last time at the London (hotel) when I was super hot and you were (multiple emojis). 'We didn't film, you forgot it, you promised you wouldn't' forget.' The jury was also shown more freak off videos - the fourth set they have seen. During this time, Combs was seen leaning over in his seat, nearly standing up, as the final video played. He was then spotted writing notes after looking over to the table in front of him where the clip played on the monitor. Jurors were told to turn down the volume on their headphones to stop the audio being picked up by the courtroom microphones, which the judge asked to be muted. The jury was dismissed Tuesday and are due back in court Thursday. Closing arguments are anticipated to take place both Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. A charging conference, a meeting between the judge and the lawyers - usually held outside the presence of the jury - is taking place Wednesday starting at noon. During this time, they will discuss and finalize the jury instructions - the rules of law the jury must follow when deciding the case. Both sides will be able to propose instructions and object to others before the judge makes final decisions on what will be given to the jury. The racketeering and sex trafficking charges against Combs, who is currently locked up at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, carry a minimum sentence of 15 years each. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum of 10 years behind bars.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Diddy scores huge courtroom victory as prosecutors DROP key parts of charges
Sean ' Diddy ' Combs scored a huge courtroom victory after prosecutors decided to drop key parts of the charges against him. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian prosecutors said they will no longer pursue theories presented during the blockbuster trial, including that the music mogul was involved in attempted arson and kidnapping. The two alleged acts were initially included in the government's racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. The charge still alleges that the 55-year-old was involved in transportation for purposes of prostitution, bribery, witness tampering and drug-related offenses. 'The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability, so instructions are no longer necessary,' prosecutors wrote in the letter. The decision was made as a way to streamline the jury's instructions, which are being discussed in court today between lawyers and Judge Subramanian. The arson allegation stems from rapper Kid Cudi 's testimony, when he claimed Combs broke into his home after discovering his relationship with his long-time girlfriend and main accuser Cassie Ventura. After the alleged break in, a Porsche, owned by Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, was set on fire in his driveway. No one was ever charged in this incident. The kidnapping theory stems from Combs' former assistant Capircorn Clark's testimony, where she said she was kidnapped by Combs, who was armed with a gun, and driven to Mescudi's home while he allegedly entered the residence.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial: The prosecution rests its case; Combs confirms he won't testify
After more than a month of graphic testimony from nearly three dozen witnesses, including ex-girlfriends, former assistants, hotel staffers, law enforcement agents, male escorts and one rival rapper, the sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs is nearing its end. The prosecution rested its case on Tuesday afternoon after its 34th and final witness, Joseph Cerciello, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, concluded his third day on the stand. The defense said it also intends to rest its case Tuesday without calling any witnesses, and Combs confirmed to the court that it was his decision not to testify. "That is totally my decision," Combs told Judge Arun Subramanian. Closing arguments are expected on Thursday, followed by jury deliberations. Federal prosecutors say that for decades, Combs abused, threatened and coerced women to participate in drug-fueled marathon sexual encounters called "freak offs" and used his business empire, along with guns, kidnapping and arson, to conceal his crimes. His lawyers have argued that the encounters were consensual, and Combs has denied any wrongdoing. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul is facing five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Here are some key takeaways from this week's court proceedings culled from various reporters and news organizations in the courtroom, including CNN, NBC News, and the Washington Post. The defense said that after submitting some exhibits into evidence, it expects to rest its case on Tuesday. Combs's lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told the court that the defense does not intend to call any witnesses. Judge Arun Subramanian then turned to Combs to ask how he was feeling. "I am doing great, thank you, Your Honor," Combs said, adding: "You are doing an excellent job." "Is it your decision not to testify?" Subramanian asked Combs. "That is my decision, that is totally my decision," Combs said, adding that he and his lawyers had discussed it "thoroughly." Cerciello, a summary witness for the prosecution, testified about the evidence collected by law enforcement in its investigation, including phone records, text messages and videos of the 'freak offs.' Combs appears in some of the 50 sexually explicit videos collected by federal agents, Cerciello said. The jury wore headphones as it viewed about footage on screens not visible to the rest of the court. It's not clear if Combs was in the clips that the jury saw. Big picture: While the explicit videos were a key part of the government's presentation, the defense also played "freak off" footage for the jury, presumably in an effort to prove that the encounters were consensual. The jury saw text messages and heard voicemails Combs left for staff members asking for various 'freak off' supplies, including Cialis, Astroglide, coconut water — even vegetable soup. In a November 2021 voice message, Combs is heard telling Kristina Khorram, his chief of staff, that he is out of baby oil, one of his preferred lubricants used during "freak offs." "I can't believe I'm out," Combs told Khorram in the voicemail. Khorram, in turn, assured Combs that a fresh delivery would be left outside his door shortly. Similar text messages between Combs and Khorram about replenishing lubricant were also shown in court. Big picture: According to the indictment, federal agents seized 'more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant' during FBI raids of Combs's homes in Miami and Los Angeles. And photos taken from the FBI's March 2024 raid of Combs's L.A. home revealed he kept 200 bottles of baby oil in cabinets, drawers and an apparent humidity-controlled case similar to a cigar humidor. While Cerciello was on the stand, text messages entered into evidence included an exchange between a representative for the male escort agency Cowboys 4 Angels and Combs, who asked that the company not raise his rate because he was a longtime customer. "Stop raising my rate i am a long timer," Combs wrote in a chat with a Cowboys 4 Angels representative named Bridget on Sept. 26, 2023. The agent informed Combs that the rate wasn't set by the company but by the escorts themselves. Combs said it was OK and requested that an escort named Cody come to the Trump International Hotel & Tower New York at 1 a.m. In another exchange, Bridget messaged Combs saying there was a mistake with a cash payment and that he owed $600. 'Lol he couldn't even perform,' Combs replied. The agent told Combs that the cost is based on time and not service. 'Whether you're sky diving or dancing,' she wrote, 'you pay for his time.' Big picture: Under cross-examination, Cerciello testified that some of the expenses and invoices related to 'freak offs' collected as evidence, including flights and hotel stays for male escorts, were listed as paid for by Combs personally, undercutting the prosecution's allegations that Combs was using his business empire to facilitate them. Here are some of the key people who testified for the government earlier in the trial and what they said. Cassie Ventura: Taking the stand for more than 20 hours, Ventura told the court her decade-long relationship with Combs was frequently marked by violence and physical abuse, describing in detail the drug-fueled "freak offs" that would take days to recover from. Jurors were also shown a 2016 surveillance video of Combs hitting, kicking and dragging Ventura in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel. The defense team presented hundreds of text messages between Ventura and Combs from throughout their relationship in an attempt to show that Ventura was a consensual participant in the "freak offs," sometimes even planning them herself. Eddy Garcia: A former security officer at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, Garcia testified that Combs paid him $100,000 in cash in a brown paper bag and also made him sign a nondisclosure agreement in exchange for the surveillance footage. 'Eddy, my angel, I knew you could help,' Combs told Garcia, according to the witness. 'Mia': Testifying under a pseudonym, a former assistant described a harrowing and 'toxic' work environment dominated by Combs's 'unpredictable and terrifying' behavior, telling the court that he physically and sexually assaulted her multiple times. She also said he threatened to tell Ventura that they had slept together. 'Jane': Also testifying under a pseudonym, another ex-girlfriend and an alleged victim of Combs tearfully recounted the harrowing sexual encounters she knew as 'hotel nights' — telling the court that she felt obligated to 'perform' sex acts for Combs because he was paying her rent. She also testified about a brutal assault she endured before Combs ordered her to cover up her injuries and take ecstasy for an impromptu 'hotel night.' But despite the alleged abuse, Jane said that she still loves Combs, who she believes may have been exploring bisexuality by watching her have sex with other men. Subramanian said that he will convene what's known as a charge conference, or a meeting between a judge and attorneys to finalize jury instructions, on Wednesday. Closing arguments will follow Thursday. Lawyers for both the prosecution and defense told Subramanian that they expect their summations to take about four hours each to complete. Jury deliberations will begin either Thursday or Friday.
The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
Judge to deliver final blow? Diddy's fate looms in New York trial
Judge Arun Subramanian presided over the criminal trial United States v. Combs, which started on 5 May 2025, in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Sean 'Diddy' Combs is facing five federal charges: one for conspiracy to commit racketeering, two for sex trafficking by force, and two for transporting individuals for prostitution. He pleaded not guilty, and authorities are holding him at MDC Brooklyn under the inmate number 37452 054. Additionally, all twelve jurors (eight men and four women) are New York State residents. Over six weeks, prosecutors called 34 witnesses, including Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and an unknown woman, known only as 'Jane'. Ventura, 38, said Combs forced her to participate in drug-fuelled group sexual activities involving urine and subjected her to constant physical and mental abuse. She also said that Combs threatened to send out sex videos to control her. Brendan Paul, Sean Combs' assistant from late 2022 to March 2024, testified on 20 June 2025 after prosecutors granted him immunity. Paul also said that he planned 'freak-offs', which he described as parties full of drugs and sex. He said the terms 'Gucci bag active' and 'Wild King nights' were code words for drug and sex parties, respectively. After six weeks and thirty-four witnesses, the prosecution will wrap up its case on 23 June 2025. Combs Global employees and an expert witness will testify during Sean 'Diddy' Combs' defence, which is expected to last one to two days. However, Combs is not going to testify. The judge has hinted that closing arguments could begin as early as 26 June 2025; it is anticipated that they will begin shortly after the defence is finished. According to federal sentencing guidelines in the United States, Combs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. If convicted of crimes such as sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, Combs could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Forbes
20-06-2025
- Forbes
Why Understanding Coercive Control In The Sean ‘Diddy' Combs Trial Is Critical
Tired frustrated african wife ignoring angry black despot husband arguing blaming upset woman of ... More problems, jealous man shouting at sad girlfriend, family fight and controlling boyfriend, disrespect The Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial -- charging the music mogul and entertainer on federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy -- remains a trending topic on social media and seems to be the center of most pop culture water cooler conversations. While most people are drawn to the trial for its juicy details and highly sensationalized and disturbing allegations, some argue that the trial highlights deeper issues that exist within the judicial system and the continued oppression of women of color. More specially, the Diddy trial highlights potential flaws in the judicial system in how issues of coercion, trauma, and physical and sexual abuse are handled and the chronic and ongoing discrediting, silencing, and disbelief of Black women in the public eye. Judge Arun Subramanian barred expert testimony on coercive control, which allowed the defense to capitalize on presenting evidence without context. For instance, during cross-examination, the defense had witness 'Jane' read text messages between herself and Diddy aloud, suggesting consent or friendliness — a tactic often used to undermine credibility without expert context on trauma or coercion. That said, a new witness ('Jane') has corroborated Cassie Ventura's and 'Mia's' testimonies, describing similar patterns of coercion, surveillance, and transactional silence. Although the testimony provides new insight, it does not truly help to paint a clear picture of abuse – much less sex trafficking or racketeering -- because, again, it lacks contextualization within the frame of coercion and trauma. The term 'coercive control' was first coined by social worker Susan Schechter and has been instrumental in better conceptualizing the cycle of abuse in abusive relationships and the effects of abuse on survivors. Coercive control is the idea that abusers rarely use brute force as a method of control but instead rely on coercive mental and emotional abuse tactics to control, which are just as effective, if not more so. These types of behaviors might include intentionally confusing their partner and causing them extreme anxiety. Or, continually tearing a partner down emotionally.' Simply put, coercive control can be thought of as a pattern of controlling behavior, manipulation, and emotional abuse over time. Some argue that using experts in the field to introduce coercive control to the jury may help them better contextualize much of the evidence they are considering. Not doing so leaves them without crucial context for understanding how prolonged abuse operates without physical violence. But this is not an issue that only exists in the Diddy trial. While there has been some progress in recognizing coercive control in legal contexts, particularly in certain states and internationally, it is still not universally or explicitly defined in most legal systems. However, the topic of intimate partner violence overall is not completely foreign in the judicial system. 'Battered woman syndrome' has historically been used in court to describe the psychological effects of intimate partner violence on women, which can include trauma and cognitive harm. While still in wide use in courtrooms as a legal defense, the concept has long been a source of debate, with many experts framing it as part of general PTSD. While using battered woman syndrome as a framework to understand abuse is helpful, it does not fully capture the associated patterns and effects of non-violent abuse. Consequently, legal advocates have argued for decades for a better descriptor that emphasizes nonphysical forms of abuse as well as physical abuse. Yet, the concept of coercive control remains relatively limited in courts. According to recent studies, coercive control is present in almost 60% of relationships in which intimate partner violence is present, and even non-violent coercive control can cause PTSD, depression, and ongoing fear in survivors – all of which is critical information that the jury in the Diddy case should be aware. Moreover, coercive control is so harmful that it is criminalized in the UK, and seven states have passed laws that say coercive control is a form of domestic violence, though how they have applied those laws varies by state. U.S. courts have been slow to adopt the concept, and some argue that Judge Arun Subramanian's decision reflects this stalled progress. Interestingly, despite coercive control not being widely recognized in the U.S. court system, the general idea of coercion is very much the same. Coercion by the U.S. legal system is described as being compelled, forced, or threatened to act in a specific way. Barring this understanding from the Diddy trial not only takes away context but also helps to perpetuate the narrative that the survivor is somehow complicit in their abuse. This is especially true for Black women, who, despite being more likely to be involved in an abusive intimate partner relationship, are less likely to get the help they need to leave the relationship. This can look like responding to allegations of abuse with 'She's just saying that to get money' or 'If it was so bad, why didn't she just leave.' These are both examples of victim blaming and shaming that are often directed toward Black women and add to them silenced, discredited, not believed, and ultimately invisible Others argue that coercive control remains limited in U.S. courts due to it being coercive and hard to identify. There is also ongoing debate among experts about whether codifying language around coercive control is helpful or harmful. After all, gaslighting and manipulation can be harder to identify than physical abuse, explicit threats, or stalking behaviors. More covert and implicit behaviors are also easier for abusers to deflect, excuse away, and blame their partner for.
