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Black America Web
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Why Sean Combs Was Never Going To Be Fully Held Accountable [Op-Ed]
Source: Neilson Barnard / Getty Over the coming days, there will be no shortage of commentary and debate about the split verdict in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs case. Cable news panels will argue over whether justice was served. Pundits will parse the difference between prostitution charges and sex trafficking. And social media will fill with memes, outrage, and hot takes about celebrity privilege, race, and misogyny. Some will call the partial conviction a victory for survivors. Others will say he got off easy. And some folks will invoke Bill Cosby and R. Kelly to say that rich Black men are always singled out for sexual crimes while white predators walk free. But there's a much bigger ideological and cultural backdrop here that shapes how a case like this gets prosecuted, adjudicated, and received. We are living through an era of reaction against women's rights and bodily autonomy. The last decade has seen the rolling back of Roe v. Wade , a fierce assault on contraception and gender-affirming care, and a mainstreaming of violent misogyny, from incel forums to the halls of government. Recall that Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed despite credible allegations of sexual assault aired in nationally televised hearings. Our twice-impeached president, Donald Trump, was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in civil court, yet pays almost no political cost. Harvey Weinstein may be in prison, but countless other high-profile sexual assault cases have ended in acquittals or hung juries, from Bill Cosby's initial mistrial to Danny Masterson's first trial, to the repeated failures to secure convictions against powerful men. Cosby was freed on a technicality despite dozens of women accusing him of assault, highlighting how even convictions can be undone for powerful men. Even Jeffrey Epstein died before facing a full trial, while Ghislaine Maxwell's sentencing is treated as a kind of closing chapter, leaving the network of clients untouched. Meanwhile, states pass forced-birth laws that deny even child rape victims abortions, and online influencers monetize misogyny, normalizing harassment, coercion, and rape as male entitlement. Taken together, all this produces a numbing effect. Source: Al Pereira / Getty When sexual violence is so widespread, so normalized, and so often excused or minimized at the highest levels of power, juries and the public become conditioned to see these crimes as murky, negotiable, or even inevitable. Jurors may hesitate to impose the harshest possible penalties, reasoning that if presidents, judges, and billionaires can skate by with little consequence, why should this man be singled out for life in prison? The sheer scale of impunity can breed a weary cynicism, a reluctance to draw hard moral lines, and a tendency to downgrade even serious crimes to something more socially acceptable, like 'bad behavior,' 'transactional sex,' or 'poor judgment.' This is not an accident, but part of a broader cultural project to protect male sexual entitlement while eroding women's autonomy and credibility. In the courtroom, that cultural backdrop becomes an unspoken defense, making it harder to secure the kind of verdict that would meaningfully challenge the system itself. This is not an accident or a glitch, but part of a broader cultural project that protects male sexual entitlement while eroding women's autonomy, even becoming an unspoken defense in the courtroom. In this context, the era of MAGA, convicting a powerful media mogul on sex trafficking and sending him to prison for life would have been about more than punishing one celebrity. It would have been an unambiguous statement that women's sexual autonomy matters, that forced or coerced sex is not simply 'transactional,' and that the state will intervene to defend women from male sexual entitlement. But that's precisely the kind of moral stance that is under assault in this era and women's resistance is a threat to social order. In that world, handing down a life sentence for sex trafficking against an ultra-rich, connected, male celebrity, especially one who can also claim racial targeting, would be more than punishing Diddy. The racial dynamics here are complex. While Black men are disproportionately criminalized, that fact can also become a shield for wealthy Black celebrities facing sexual abuse claims. Source: Frederick M. Brown / Getty It would set a precedent. It would say: The state is willing to define this behavior as beyond the pale. It is willing to protect women's autonomy and dignity against male power, even the most elite male power, regardless of race. That is a dangerous precedent for a system moving in the other direction. Because the rise of a Gilead-like social order depends on blurring the lines around sexual coercion, on normalizing men's right to use women's bodies, on criminalizing women's control over their own reproduction, and on trivializing or excusing sexual violence as misunderstanding, regret, or 'transaction.' A life sentence for sex trafficking wouldn't just punish Diddy. It would be a declaration of values that the system currently refuses to make. So even if the jury isn't consciously thinking: We have to protect Gilead, they are steeped in a cultural logic that sees women's sexual victimization as negotiable, deniable, less important. Lost in the parsing of verdicts are the voices of the women who described coercion, fear, and degradation—whose experiences the system still struggles to name fully as trafficking. And the legal system reflects and enforces that culture. This is not just about one man. It's about a society that is deliberately keeping the door open for sexual exploitation, forced birth, and male sexual dominance. Diddy's conviction on the lesser charges was, in many ways, a political dodge. It allows the justice system to claim it held a powerful man accountable while sidestepping the far more disruptive verdict that a trafficking conspiracy conviction, and a potential life sentence, would have delivered. And beyond the courtroom, this compromise verdict teaches the public where the lines are drawn, and where they're carefully avoided. By convicting him only for transporting women for prostitution, the jury avoids making the bold moral and legal statement that his actions were organized, coercive exploitation deserving the label of trafficking. It's a compromise verdict that satisfies calls for some punishment without threatening the social order that depends on tolerating, excusing, and even monetizing men's sexual access to women's bodies. Dr. Stacey Patton is an award-winning journalist and author of 'Spare The Kids: Why Whupping Children Won't Save Black America' and the forthcoming 'Strung Up: The Lynching of Black Children In Jim Crow America.' Read her Substack here . SEE ALSO: Sean Combs Acquitted Of Most Serious Charges There Is No Defending Diddy SEE ALSO Why Sean Combs Was Never Going To Be Fully Held Accountable [Op-Ed] was originally published on
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Man Locking Himself in Bathroom to Play Video Games and Avoid Girlfriend Backed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A man's decision to take refuge in his bathroom for a short gaming session—armed with his Nintendo Switch, snacks and a candle—has prompted a debate about personal space in relationships. The 25-year-old Reddit poster, using the handle Senior_Zebra_1313, said he needed a break after a grueling workweek and asked his girlfriend for 30 minutes to unwind. Pointed Remarks The 24-year-old woman agreed, he wrote, but returned after just seven minutes to suggest reorganizing the pantry because it was "giving anxiety." The original poster (OP) described locking himself in the bathroom mid-Mario Kart race while his girlfriend knocked, asking if she had done something wrong. When he explained he needed alone time, she accused him of being emotionally unavailable and trying to dodge emotional labor. For days afterward, she continued making pointed remarks like, "Hope the bathroom's comfy, your real girlfriend." File image: Guest playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. File image: Guest playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. Neilson Barnard/Nintendo of America/Getty 'I gotta disappear' The OP clarified that he wasn't trying to avoid his girlfriend, but simply needed time to decompress without being pulled into conversations about topics like oat milk versus almond milk. He said he had already tried relaxing in the bedroom, but was repeatedly interrupted by suggestions to light candles together, or deep clean the fridge. "I love her," he insisted to Redditors, "but sometimes I gotta disappear like a raccoon in the night." While some responses criticized the man's use of a locked door to avoid discussion with his partner, the vast majority supported his need for solitude, especially in a shared space. Reddit contributors felt that short breaks from constant interaction are a normal and necessary part of cohabiting, amid around 200 comments in a day online. An individual remarked that they "couldn't handle" the OP's situation. "I would break up with this person so fast," the individual continued. "You have every right to need to decompress. A few hours even is not too much to ask for. Me and my husband do that often. It's called mutual respect and love. Also a bit o' empathy." 'For the rest of your life?' A supporter of the OP still urged him to have a "grown up conversation" with his partner. "No one should have to hide in the bathroom to get peace and quiet—unless it is from your children, [laugh out loud]. "That she is offended says she is insecure and way too needy to be amazing. Can you imagine this for the rest of your life?" Conflict can arise in relationships when partners have different expectations about how much time they should spend together versus alone, according to psychologist Melanie McCabe. "To help prevent these misunderstandings, couples can benefit from open conversations about each person's needs—including the need for solitude," the North Carolina-based specialist said, in reply to an invitation to comment from Newsweek. McCabe said spending time alone can serve many purposes: "It allows for decompressing, processing thoughts and emotions, and creating space for stillness after overstimulation. It also helps some people recharge before re-engaging socially. "Importantly, time apart can actually strengthen the relationship. When a partner is able to care for their individual needs, they're often more present, patient and engaged. "Honoring requests for alone time, then, can benefit not just the individual, but the relationship as a whole." Our Sense of Self According to a Williamsburg Therapy Group article, personal space enables individuality and emotional balance. "Personal growth requires a person to have a sense of their own identity," the clinic noted. Without alone time to pursue interests or simply rest, individuals may begin to feel emotionally overwhelmed, or even lose their sense of self. The clinic added that lack of space can lead to communication breakdowns and even emotional dependency. "It's better to know this early on," the article states, "so you can communicate what you need. If your partner doesn't respect that, it may indicate where your relationship stands." Newsweek has contacted Senior_Zebra_1313 for comment via Reddit. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Black America Web
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Lizzo Celebrates Her Birthday In Head-To-Toe Animal Print
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Neilson Barnard / Getty It's Lizzo's birthday, but we're the ones who got the gift. The flute-playing queen celebrated another trip around the sun on April 27 by dropping a series of stunning photos serving body, glam, gratitude, and fierce energy. Simply put, Lizzo ate in her birthday slay- and we are obsessed! RELATED: Lizzo Celebrates Reaching Her Weight Loss Goals On Instagram Lizzo stepped into her birthday era as only she can — bold, beautiful, and unapologetically herself. To celebrate her big day, the 37-year-old chose a jaw-dropping, body-hugging leopard print gown that showed every curve with confidence and sensuality. Her girls were sitting, her waist was practically non-existent, and her overall attitude was unmatched. Lizzo's form-fitting dress featured a deep halter neckline, a corset-like bodice, and a sleek, floor-length silhouette. She added a little birthday drama to her fit with matching opera-length gloves in the same fierce animal print. When it came to hair and beauty, Lizzo did not disappoint. She rocked a retro, old Hollywood glam updo with soft curls and wispy bangs framing her face. Her makeup was equally flawless, with a soft glam beat that featured warm-toned eyeshadow, wispy lashes, and a glossy nude lip. Lizzo's birthday moment wasn't just about her look, though. In a heartfelt caption, she opened up about battling anxiety leading up to her big day and finally letting her emotions flow. Surrounded by family and friends, Lizzo shared how a simple, joy-filled dinner brought her to tears — and a place of pure gratitude. 'In that very moment I had everything I needed. In that moment everything was ok,' she wrote. RELATED: Lizzo Accepts Her People's Champion Award In A Stunning Alexander McQueen Gown The 'Truth Hurts' singer closed her emotional post with so much love, saying, 'I am so full, so happy, and so deeply blessed by you all.' Lizzo didn't just serve a birthday slay — she gave funs a much-needed reminder to celebrate life, love, and the magic of being surrounded by people who cheer you on. We're raising a glass (and a leopard glove) to that. Happy Birthday, Lizzo! SEE ALSO Lizzo Celebrates Her Birthday In Head-To-Toe Animal Print was originally published on
New York Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
America's favorite beers revealed — see which is most popular in your state
America loves beer. From IPAs to lagers, America's preference for beer varies across regions and states, though one brand seems to stand out from the rest. Advertisement In a recent study by Coffeeness, a German coffee-focused website that publishes beverage-related studies, analysts compiled a ranking of the most popular beer in each state. Using data from YouGov's popularity ratings, as well as search data from Google, the study provides a 'comprehensive picture' of America's beer preferences. 'Our analysis reveals some surprising patterns and confirms a number of long-held assumptions,' the study stated. America's favorite brand is Miller, which ranked as the most searched beer in 30 states, representing 60% of the country. Miller ranked the highest in states on both coasts, from Washington to Maine, plus Alaska and Hawaii. Advertisement 'Miller's widespread appeal likely stems from its accessibility, consistent flavor profile and strong marketing presence,' Coffeeness wrote in the study. Coors ranks second, a favorite of eight states, including Arizona, California and Texas. 3 From IPAs to lagers, America's preference for beer varies across regions and states, though one brand seems to stand out from the states – Georgia, New Jersey and South Carolina – put Guinness at the top of the list. Advertisement Budweiser and Bud Light only led searches in four states combined, despite massive advertising campaigns. 'The 2023 controversy surrounding Bud Light may have had something to do with this,' according to the study. Budweiser was the top choice in Missouri and New Hampshire, while North Carolina and Ohio preferred Bud Light. (Anheuser-Busch, which owns Budweiser and Bud Light, is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.) 3 America's favorite brand is Miller, which ranked as the most searched beer in 30 states, representing 60% of the country. Craig Barritt Advertisement 3 Blue Moon is top of the barrel in Colorado. The craft-style beer is produced by parent company Coors, which also calls Colorado its home state. Neilson Barnard A few other brands are top choices in only one or two states, reflecting localized popularity. Blue Moon is top of the barrel in Colorado. The craft-style beer is produced by parent company Coors, which also calls Colorado its home state. 'This suggests that Coloradans may appreciate the more craft-oriented offering from their local brewing giant,' Coffeeness wrote. Corona ranked highest in only one state: Connecticut. 'The Mexican lager's association with beach relaxation and lime-garnished refreshment may resonate with coastal Connecticut residents,' the researchers stated.
