Latest news with #NationalSexualAssaultHotline
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Civil lawsuit accusing BYU's Jake Retzlaff of rape dismissed
A civil lawsuit accusing Brigham Young football quarterback Jake Retzlaff of rape has been dismissed, according to court documents obtained by ESPN. ESPN reported the two sides agreed to dismiss the case without prejudice, ending the lawsuit that was filed in May. Retzlaff garnered popularity last season for being the first Jewish quarterback to start at BYU. He led the Cougars to an 11-2 record and Alamo Bowl win over Colorado. He passed for 2,947 yards with 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, while rushing for 417 yards and six additional touchdowns. The suit against Retzlaff accused him of rape, stemming from a November 2023 encounter between him and his accuser, who also alleged Retzlaff strangled and bit her. The lawsuit alleged the woman and her friend went to Retzlaff's apartment, where they played video games. After the woman's friend left, she stayed behind with Retzlaff to watch a movie. The two began to kiss, but she pulled away from Retzlaff as he "escalated the situation" after she said she did not want to do anything more than kiss. Per the lawsuit, Retzlaff fell asleep and the woman tried to leave, but he allegedly woke up and pushed her back on the bed. He is alleged to have bitten her on the lip and began having sex with the woman. The lawsuit stated the woman visited a hospital and ordered a rape kit a few days after their interaction. Retzlaff and his lawyers denied the allegations, stating he had consensual sex with the woman. Retzlaff's camp in their response to the lawsuit — which was filed on Friday, June 27 — claimed Retzlaff and the woman continued to communicate via text messages in the months following their encounter. Retzlaff does not currently face any criminal charges. The second-year starting quarterback is now likely to transfer from BYU to avoid a what would "likely" be a seven-game suspension after violating the school's honor code, according to ESPN. Retzlaff admitted to having premarital sex, despite having the case dropped, resulting in the suspension. BYU, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has an honor code that forbids "sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman." If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: (4673) and and en Español
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says men were 'inappropriate' to her as a child
Former "Modern Family" child star Ariel Winter is recalling the predatory behavior she was subjected to as a child. The actress, who starred on the ABC sitcom starting when she was 11 years old, told the Daily Mail in an interview promoting the true crime YouTube docuseries "SOSA Undercover" that she is "familiar with male predators," having worked in Hollywood since she was 4. "I don't wanna say too much about it, but by the time I was on a laptop and cell phone, I was getting inappropriate messages from older men," she told the outlet, adding she has sought mental health treatment due to the "trauma." "The experiences I had in person and online as a child have affected me so deeply that I've had to go to therapy for it," she continued. "The movie and TV industry is a dark place." Between the predatory behavior and body-shaming she experienced as a teen, she would go on to be put on antidepressants in high school. The medication made her gain weight, but "my mental health was my top priority," she said. She left her hometown of Los Angeles for the same reason. "I went on a journey of self-healing," Winter said. 'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says body shaming 'totally damaged my self-esteem' In "SOSA Undercover," Winter will be going undercover, acting as a child to catch predators. She called the experience "cathartic." "It can be scary at times pretending to be 12 and (talking) to older men, but it's validating to put away predators that have been harming children," she said. "Growing up in the entertainment industry, I've been the girl we are trying to save. It's vital to me to help protect young women from the experiences I endured in my own life." SOSA, or Safe from Online Sex Abuse, is a Connecticut-based nonprofit aimed at preventing and intervening in online child sexual abuse and exploitation, and supporting victims and survivors. The series "SOSA Undercover" will follow the nonprofit working with law enforcement on undercover operations. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: (4673) and and en Español
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What is BYU's honor code? What to know as Jake Retzlaff considers transfer
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing a potential suspension for being found in violation of BYU's honor code. Retzlaff plans to transfer from the Cougars' program — according to a report from ESPN — to avoid what would "likely" be a seven-game suspension from the university. Retzlaff was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at his home, per a civil lawsuit filed in May. Retzlaff's lawyer, Mark Baute, denied the allegations. The woman who accused Retzlaff withdrew her civil suit on Monday, June 30, per ESPN. REQUIRED READING: BYU QB Jake Retzlaff faces suspension, future uncertain after sexual assault civil suit Regardless of the status of the suit, having sexual relations outside of marriage is against the BYU honor code — meaning Retzlaff would still be subject to punishment from the university for being found in violation. Here's what you need to know about the BYU honor code, and how it has affected athletes in the past: What is BYU honor code? The BYU honor code is a code of conduct to which all members of BYU — faculty, administration, staff and students — voluntarily adhere. The university, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mandates that associates of the university "conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ" and "strive to maintain the highest standards in their personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others." Per BYU, students must: Notable BYU players who have violated honor code In 2004, BYU officials dismissed or suspended four football players due to actions during an off-campus party, which included alcohol and extramarital sex. Two additional players were placed on probation. Brandon Davies is another notable example found to be in violation of BYU's honor code. He was suspended in early March of his the 2010-11 men's basketball season for having premarital sex with his girlfriend. BYU was ranked No. 3 in the Coaches Poll at the time. He was later reinstated by the team as a junior, and played two more seasons for the Cougars — seasons in which he was named to the All-West Coast Conference team. He went undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft. Running back Jamaal Williams was forced to sit out the 2015 college football season after an honor code violation in which he said he had a girl in his dorm room. Williams opted to stick with the Cougars rather than transfer and proceeded to become a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Retzlaff in 2024 guided BYU to an 11-2 record, including an Alamo Bowl victory over Colorado. He completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while also rushing for 417 yards and six touchdowns in his first season a full-time starter. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: (4673) and and en Español
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Thanks Trial Judge for Doing ‘Awesome Job' as Defense Requests Acquittal and Prosecution Rests
The trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs is nearing its end, and the rapper took a moment to thank Judge Arun Subramanian for his hard work. Diddy, 55, stood up in court on Tuesday, June 24, to deliver a message to Subramanian before the day's proceedings ended. 'I wanted to tell you thank you,' the disgraced mogul said. 'You're doing an awesome job.' The Sean John founder then confirmed that he had 'thoroughly' spoken to his lawyers about his decision not to testify on his own behalf. 'That is my decision, your honor,' Diddy said. 'That is solely my decision.' The prosecution rested its case against Diddy on Tuesday. He is facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied all of the allegations against him. Diddy Judge Chastises Defense for Moving Too Slowly While Questioning Pregnant Cassie Diddy's trial began on May 5 with jury selection and has lasted more than six weeks. In that period, the government called 34 witnesses, including Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie, rapper Kid Cudi and former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard. After the prosecution rested its case, the defense requested an acquittal for Diddy, arguing that the government did not sufficiently prove the charges. 'Domestic violence is not sex trafficking, and the evidence didn't show [Cassie Ventura] was engaged in any sexual activity because of violence,' Diddy's attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued. Why Legal Experts Believe Diddy Could Still Go Free, Even After Explosive Trial Revelations Shapiro went on to claim that the government failed to prove the racketeering charge, which was based on the idea that Diddy used his employees to help him commit crimes. According to Shapiro, those employees 'didn't know much, if anything, about what went on between Mr. Combs and his girlfriends in those hotel rooms, other than they used a lot of baby oil and Astroglide … and perhaps used drugs.' The defense also addressed the allegation that Diddy was responsible for firebombing Cudi's car, telling the court, 'There's no evidence that Mr. Combs was involved in that incident.' Before a break, the prosecution told the judge that they can argue against the defense's dismissals. Judge Denies Diddy's 2nd Request for a Mistrial Over Bryana Bongolan Testimony Closing arguments in the case are set to begin later this week, and jury deliberation could begin as early as Friday, June 27. If convicted on even one charge, Diddy would face a lengthy prison sentence. The statutory minimum sentence for sex trafficking is 15 years, while transportation to engage in prostitution has a maximum sentence of 10 years. If convicted on the racketeering charge, he faces up to life in prison. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Prosecutors to call final witnesses in Sean Combs' sex-crimes case
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs are gearing up to take the lead in his criminal trial as prosecutors wind down their initial round of arguments. The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 23 for the latest installment in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case. U.S. attorneys hope to wrap testimony by end of day, while Combs' lawyers expect to rest by end of day June 24 or 25. Closing arguments are tentatively set to commence next Thursday, June 26. Jurors last heard from Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul, who took the stand June 20. The 26-year-old alleged "drug mule" testified about his 2024 arrest as well as his demanding job, which consisted of working long hours and procuring ketamine and ecstasy for Combs' "personal use." He also denied witnessing criminal activity at the mogul's "king nights," another name for Combs' "freak off" sex parties. Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello also testified, detailing flight logs, texts, financial records and hotel reports tied to Combs that painted the Grammy-winning rapper's lavish lifestyle. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
