Latest news with #PursuitofHappiness'


Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Cloud Nine & Custom Laces: Kid Cudi Married Lola Abecassis Sartore in French Fairytale
After a whirlwind few months, Kid Cudi married his partner, fashion designer Lola Abecassis Sartore, in a romantic ceremony in the South of France. The 'Pursuit of Happiness' rapper is clearly on cloud nine, having tied the knot near Sartore's hometown in Èze at the breathtaking Cap Estel. Source: Marc Piasecki / Getty Sparks first flew between Cudi and Sartore in 2018. They connected at the late Virgil Abloh's first show for Louis Vuitton. As Sartore recalled to PEOPLE , 'I was working behind the scenes, and Scott was walking the runway. Our eyes met in the chaos, and there was a silent spark. After the show, Scott walked straight up and asked for my number.' Over time, their connection blossomed, and after dating for about a year, Cudi proposed on December 28, 2023, in Kyoto, Japan. The couple kept their engagement private for a few months, only announcing it to the world via separate Instagram posts in April 2024, which also served as their official relationship debut to the public. Their nuptials took place on Saturday, June 28. Sartore described the day as 'the most perfect, flawless, peaceful day, and we want to do it all over again. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.' The ceremony was officiated by the couple's minister, Pastor Rich. The ceremony itself was described by Sartore as 'bliss. A moment out of time where the world stopped, and it was just the two of us… It was just us and our love, and it was the purest moment.' Following the heartfelt vows, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour by the pool, a delightful dinner on the lawn, and an after-party inside the villa, where a restaurant was transformed into a 'cozy' speakeasy. Fashion was, of course, a major highlight, given Sartore's background as a designer at Louis Vuitton and now as the head designer at ERL. The bride collaborated with her 'bridesman,' Alain Paul, to design her stunning wedding dress. The gown, handmade in Paris, was composed of '60 meters total of six different custom laces.' Paul also crafted a mini version of a runway bridal style for Sartore's after-party look. Cudi himself didn't disappoint, collaborating with Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of Saint Laurent, for three custom outfits for the weekend: an 'elegant' and 'laidback' look for the welcome dinner, a classic double-breasted black suit for the ceremony, and a dazzling crystal embroidered mousseline top for the after-party. The wedding included heartfelt tributes to Virgil Abloh, who played a significant role in their meeting. Additionally, during cocktail hour, BadBadNotGood performed – a full-circle moment as they had also played at Abloh's first show for Louis Vuitton, where Cudi and Sartore initially met. Adding a personal touch, Cudi serenaded his new wife with two songs from his upcoming album, which he revealed is 'inspired' by their love story. This grand celebration saw family and friends, including Cudi's daughter Vada from a previous relationship, share in the couple's joy. After Kid Cudi married Lola, he expressed his overwhelming happiness on Instagram, stating, 'Man, I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. A truly special day with amazing friends and loving family. I love this woman so so much, and I know she loves me in the same way. Its always a battle sayin 'I love you more' because she always wins that battle haha My best friend. My ride or die. To all of the fam that came thru, it was truly a pleasure having you with us on our special day.' The post Cloud Nine & Custom Laces: Kid Cudi Married Lola Abecassis Sartore in French Fairytale appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO Cloud Nine & Custom Laces: Kid Cudi Married Lola Abecassis Sartore in French Fairytale was originally published on


Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Diddy's sex crimes trial is winding down – and prosecutors just made a major move
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' fate will be up to the jury soon. After weeks of shocking and graphic testimony in the disgraced mogul's sex crimes trial in NYC, prosecutors rested their case on Tuesday – and Combs actually got a break. In a letter to judge Arun Subramanian, lawyers for the U.S. government narrowed the racketeering conspiracy charges, abandoning the claims of arson and kidnapping that stemmed from an alleged years-old beef with fellow rapper Kid Cudi. 'Specifically, the Government has removed instructions from the charge relating to (i) attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, (ii) attempted arson under California law, and (iii) aiding and abetting sex trafficking,' the letter partially read. 'The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability so instructions are no longer necessary.' Veteran trial lawyer Mark Zauderer told Forbes a possible reason for the prosecutors' 'tactical' move: They have 'not likely proven to the jury's satisfaction' how the attempted arson and kidnapping allegations bolster Comb's racketeering charge. READ MORE: The eyebrow raising things found in Diddy's hotel room the day of his arrest As for how the original charges came to be: Back in May, former Diddy assistant Capricorn Clark testified that her boss kidnapped her at gunpoint in December 2011 after Combs learned Cudi was dating his on-off again girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Clark said Diddy forced her to drive over to the hip hopper's Beverly Hills home while she waited in the car. She called Ventura as Combs and an associate entered the home of the 'Pursuit of Happiness' singer, who wasn't there. By the time Cudi found out what was happening and returned home, he claimed on the stand, his love rival was gone and his place was left in disarray. Weeks later, Cudi's Porsche was set on fire in his driveway, a scenario that star witness Ventura testified Combs threatened doing; no suspect was ever arrested. Meanwhile, Combs did not take the stand as his defense team began their closing arguments. Jury deliberations could start as soon as Monday. Among the other charges the 55 year old Harlem native still faces are possession with intent to supply, transportation to engage in prostitution, bribery and witness tampering. He has pleaded not guilty to all. READ MORE: Diddy had requirements for his 'freak-off' guests: report
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Wanted to 'Kill' Kid Cudi Over Cassie, Former Employee Testifies
Originally appeared on E! Online Capricorn Clark was worried for Kid Cudi and Cassie Ventura amid their romance. As Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former assistant testified against him in his sex trafficking trial May 27, she shared what allegedly happened after Combs learned that his then-girlfriend and the 'Pursuit of Happiness' rapper (real name Scott Mescudi) were dating, according to NBC News reporters in the courtroom. 'There were people at my door, including Combs,' Clark told jurors. 'I could tell he was furious. He was pacing, and his body language looked like he had something in his hand. I couldn't really see.' The former employee said that Combs—who dated Ventura on and off from 2007 to 2018—arrived at her apartment on Dec. 22, 2011, in slacks that were split in the crotch and a firearm in his hand. 'He just said, 'Get dressed, we're going to go kill Mescudi,'' Clark testified. 'I said, 'I don't want to go,' and he said, 'I don't give a f--k what you want to do.' He was livid, furious, mad at me. I had never seen anything like this before. I never saw him come to my house, I never saw him with a weapon.' More from E! Online Shaboozey Speaks Out After Seemingly Rolling His Eyes at Megan Moroney Comment at AMAs How The Handmaid's Tale Series Finale Ended After 6 Seasons—With One Big Burning Question Duck Dynasty's Sadie Robertson Details Final Moments with Grandfather Phil Robertson Clark—who worked for Combs on and off from 2004 to 2020, as well as Ventura's creative director until 2018—said that after the 15-20 minute ride to Mescudi's home, she allegedly called Cassie to let her know that Combs brought her 'with a gun to Cudi's house to kill him.' (Mescudi testified last week to Combs allegedly breaking into his house.) Combs has not publicly addressed the alleged break-in. Clark—who also testified that she helped Ventura buy a burner phone for her relationship with Mescudi out of fear for her safety—alleged that after Combs returned from going into Mescudi's house, he took her phone and called the last number on the call history. She said that the Bad Boy Records founder forced her to call the 'Me & U' singer back and let her know that he wasn't going to let Clark go until she met them. Ventura agreed, Clark testified. Clark said that once the trio returned to Combs' home, he allegedly beat his then-girlfriend at '100 percent full force.' 'He repeatedly kicked her,' she said, noting that Ventura was silently crying amid the attack. 'Each kick, she would crouch more and more into a fetal position.' She recalled allegedly hearing Combs still kicking Ventura as she left the rental home, adding, 'He said if I jump in, he was going to f--k me up too.' Although Clark didn't call the authorities, she testified that she reached out to Ventura's mom Regina Ventura. 'I told her mom, I said, 'He's beating the shit out of your daughter,'' she said. ''I'm in over my head. Please help her. I can't call the police, but you can.' She said, 'I'll handle it,' and we hung up.' Clark alleged that Ventura and Mescudi's brief romance led to her 2012 firing, claiming that she 'lost everything.' 'He said I would never work again and all these people weren't my friends,' she recalled. 'He would make me kill myself.' Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, prostitution, racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as transportation to engage in prostitution. For more revelations from Diddy's trial, keep reading. (E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Kid Cudi Describes Sean 'Diddy' Combs Behaving Like a 'Marvel Super Villain' During Conversation About Cassie VenturaKid Cudi Said Sean 'Diddy' Combs Asked If They Were 'Cool' After Their ConversationKid Cudi Recounts House Being Broken Into and Car Catching On Fire After Sean 'Diddy' Combs Learned About His Relationship With Cassie VenturaSean 'Diddy' Combs Speaks Out in CourtCassie Ventura's Mom Says She Paid Sean 'Diddy' Combs $20,000 After He Threatened to Release Sex TapesSean 'Diddy' Combs Carried Pills With Barack Obama's Face, According to Former AssistantSean 'Diddy' Combs Always Carried Pills to 'Increase Sperm Count,' Former Assistant TestifiesHotel Room Was Stocked with Baby Oil, Pink Ketamine and $9,000 Cash When Sean 'Diddy' Combs Was ArrestedFormer Cassie Ventura Friend Says She Was Attacked by Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Accepted $30,000 to Remain SilentDawn Richard Testifies She Saw Sean "Diddy" Combs Try to Hit Cassie Ventura With a SkilletCassie Ventura Shoots Down Accusation of Drugs in the 'Freak Off' Baby OilCassie Ventura Details Sean 'Diddy' Combs Drug UseJudge Calls For Recess Amid Cassie Ventura's Testimony at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' TrialCassie Ventura Says That She Participated in 'Hundreds' of 'Freak Offs' with Sean 'Diddy' CombsCassie Ventura Says She Settled 2023 Lawsuit Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs for $20 MillionCassie Ventura Alleges Sean 'Diddy' Combs Raped Her in 2018 When She Was Already With Future Husband Alex FineCassie Ventura Says She Broke Up With Kid Cudi After Sean 'Diddy' Combs ThreatCassie Ventura Says 'Freak Offs' Gave Her UTIs, Other Physical AilmentsSean "Diddy" Combs Allegedly Told Cassie Ventura That She "Couldn't" Leave Him During Hotel AttackCassie Ventura Says Sean "Diddy" Combs Attacked Her in Hotel Hallway Because She Left a "Freak Off"Cassie Ventura Says She Took Drugs to Make It Through 'Freak Offs'Cassie Ventura Describes Mess of Oil, Urine and Blood After "Freak Offs"Sean 'Diddy' Combs Wanted Baby Oil 'Glistening' During 'Freak Offs,' Says Cassie VenturaCassie Ventura Said Hiring For 'Freak Offs' Became 'a Job' For Her For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kid Cudi testifies about car fire and 'Marvel supervillain' meeting at Diddy's trial
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign up to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. Grammy-winning rapper Scott Mescudi — better known by his stage name, Kid Cudi — took the witness stand today as prosecutors continued sketching their portrait of Diddy's violent and chaotic world. Here's what the 'Pursuit of Happiness' singer told jurors, and what we heard from today's other witnesses as the sex trafficking trial reached the end of its second week: Kid Cudi, who briefly dated Diddy's off-and-on girlfriend Cassie, accused Diddy of breaking into his Hollywood Hills home in 2011 and then told jurors about his Porsche catching on fire in 2012 after a Molotov cocktail was thrown inside. Cassie previously testified that Diddy, in a jealous rage, threatened to blow up Kid Cudi's car. The two men met at a Los Angeles hotel after the fire. Kid Cudi recalled Diddy staring out a window with his hands behind his back like a 'Marvel supervillain.' Diddy seemed to be unaware of the fire — but years later, he offered Kid Cudi a general apology for the past, Kid Cudi testified. Diddy's legal team says he wasn't involved in any arson attack. George Kaplan, Diddy's ex-assistant, described an altercation between the rapper and Cassie on a private jet in 2015. Kaplan testified he heard glass shatter and saw Diddy standing over Cassie with a whiskey glass. He said Cassie yelled: 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Kaplan said he once bought beauty products to cover up bruises on Cassie's face. Mylah Morales, a makeup artist who worked with Cassie (as well as Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez), testified about the aftermath of Diddy's alleged beating of Cassie after a party hosted by Prince. Morales said she didn't witness any violence but heard yelling and later saw Cassie with a swollen eye, busted lip and knots on her head. Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L'Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel, told jurors that a room would require deep cleaning after one of Diddy's stays. The hotel's notes on the rapper's profile said he left behind 'excessive amounts' of oil and candle wax. (Diddy's legal team elected not to cross-examine Zemmour.) ALSO: In a 37-second video posted to X this afternoon, Kid Cudi directly addressed the camera and thanked his fans for 'all the love and support' in the lead-up to his testimony. 'This is a stressful situation,' he added. 'I'm glad it's behind me.' Kid Cudi was by far today's main attraction. The celebrated rapper, wearing a black leather jacket over a white T-shirt, drew a crowd of spectators in the rain outside the courthouse. He identified himself on the stand as an 'actor and musician,' a nod to his roles in films like 'Don't Look Up' and 'X.' In general, he struck a confident tone and often spoke animatedly. Diddy, wearing a cream-colored top over khaki pants, sat back in his chair with his arms and legs crossed during parts of Kid Cudi's testimony. He seemed to be listening closely, calmly taking in the back-and-forth without displaying much emotion. Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, heatedly told Judge Arun Subramanian she was 'shocked' that defense lawyer Brian Steel asked Kid Cudi about his sexual activity with Cassie, calling the question out of bounds and 'outrageous.' Subramanian agreed, saying 'the line was clear and crossed.' He chastised Steel and ruled the exchange should be struck from the record. In other news: The reporters in the gallery were treated to some rare levity this morning as the attorneys debated whether Kid Cudi could testify about his dog's behavioral changes after the 2011 break-in at his home. Steel told Subramanian that prosecutors wanted the rapper to testify that his pet was traumatized. Emily Johnson, a prosecutor, argued that comments about the dog were relevant to the break-in. 'He's not going to testify to what the dog thought,' Subramanian said, drawing laughter. (Subramanian ultimately ruled that Kid Cudi could testify about the dog, but only in general terms. Johnson explained that the animal is 'no longer with us.') Kid Cudi testified today that, in 2012, his dog watcher called to alert him that his car was on fire. He testified that it appeared someone had cut open the top of his Porsche, and 'that's where the Molotov cocktail was put in,' destroying the car. This is critical evidence for the prosecution because it is evidence of arson, which is one of the 'predicate' racketeering crimes listed in the racketeering (RICO) statute. However, Diddy is charged with racketeering conspiracy, which is even easier for the government to prove. To convict a defendant of racketeering conspiracy, the government must prove only that the defendant agreed with others to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering (those predicate crimes). The government does not need to prove a conspiracy to commit those specific predicate acts, like the arson of Kid Cudi's car. In fact, the government must prove only that two racketeering acts were, or were intended to be, committed as part of the conspiracy. The government does not have to prove that the defendant himself committed any of these predicate crimes (like arson). The government doesn't even need to prove Diddy himself agreed to commit any of the predicate acts (like arson). While the government must establish that Diddy participated in some manner in the overall objective of the conspiracy, it does not need to prove that the hip-hop mogul himself tossed a Molotov cocktail into the Porsche, or even that he participated in the arson himself. No court tomorrow. The trial resumes on Tuesday, after Memorial Day. Enjoy your holiday weekend. PSA: Every night during Diddy's trial, NBC's 'Dateline' will drop special episodes of the 'True Crime Weekly' podcast to get you up to speed. 'Dateline' correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News' Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here. This article was originally published on


NBC News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Kid Cudi testifies about car fire and 'Marvel supervillain' meeting at Diddy's trial
This is a free article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign up to get exclusive reporting and analysis throughout Sean Combs' federal trial. Grammy-winning rapper Scott Mescudi — better known by his stage name, Kid Cudi — took the witness stand today as prosecutors continued sketching their portrait of Diddy's violent and chaotic world. Here's what the 'Pursuit of Happiness' singer told jurors, and what we heard from today's other witnesses as the sex trafficking trial reached the end of its second week: Kid Cudi, who briefly dated Diddy's off-and-on girlfriend Cassie, accused Diddy of breaking into his Hollywood Hills home in 2011 and then told jurors about his Porsche catching on fire in 2012 after a Molotov cocktail was thrown inside. Cassie previously testified that Diddy, in a jealous rage, threatened to blow up Kid Cudi's car. The two men met at a Los Angeles hotel after the fire. Kid Cudi recalled Diddy staring out a window with his hands behind his back like a 'Marvel supervillain.' Diddy seemed to be unaware of the fire — but years later, he offered Kid Cudi a general apology for the past, Kid Cudi testified. Diddy's legal team says he wasn't involved in any arson attack. George Kaplan, Diddy's ex-assistant, described an altercation between the rapper and Cassie on a private jet in 2015. Kaplan testified he heard glass shatter and saw Diddy standing over Cassie with a whiskey glass. He said Cassie yelled: 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Kaplan said he once bought beauty products to cover up bruises on Cassie's face. Mylah Morales, a makeup artist who worked with Cassie (as well as Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez), testified about the aftermath of Diddy's alleged beating of Cassie after a party hosted by Prince. Morales said she didn't witness any violence but heard yelling and later saw Cassie with a swollen eye, busted lip and knots on her head. Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L'Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel, told jurors that a room would require deep cleaning after one of Diddy's stays. The hotel's notes on the rapper's profile said he left behind 'excessive amounts' of oil and candle wax. (Diddy's legal team elected not to cross-examine Zemmour.) ALSO: In a 37-second video posted to X this afternoon, Kid Cudi directly addressed the camera and thanked his fans for 'all the love and support' in the lead-up to his testimony. 'This is a stressful situation,' he added. 'I'm glad it's behind me.' The view from inside By Adam Reiss, Chloe Melas and Katherine Koretski Kid Cudi was by far today's main attraction. The celebrated rapper, wearing a black leather jacket over a white T-shirt, drew a crowd of spectators in the rain outside the courthouse. He identified himself on the stand as an 'actor and musician,' a nod to his roles in films like 'Don't Look Up' and 'X.' In general, he struck a confident tone and often spoke animatedly. Diddy, wearing a cream-colored top over khaki pants, sat back in his chair with his arms and legs crossed during parts of Kid Cudi's testimony. He seemed to be listening closely, calmly taking in the back-and-forth without displaying much emotion. Maurene Comey, one of the prosecutors, heatedly told Judge Arun Subramanian she was 'shocked' that defense lawyer Brian Steel asked Kid Cudi about his sexual activity with Cassie, calling the question out of bounds and 'outrageous.' Subramanian agreed, saying 'the line was clear and crossed.' He chastised Steel and ruled the exchange should be struck from the record. In other news: The reporters in the gallery were treated to some rare levity this morning as the attorneys debated whether Kid Cudi could testify about his dog's behavioral changes after the 2011 break-in at his home. Steel told Subramanian that prosecutors wanted the rapper to testify that his pet was traumatized. Emily Johnson, a prosecutor, argued that comments about the dog were relevant to the break-in. 'He's not going to testify to what the dog thought,' Subramanian said, drawing laughter. (Subramanian ultimately ruled that Kid Cudi could testify about the dog, but only in general terms. Johnson explained that the animal is 'no longer with us.') Analysis: Why the Molotov cocktail story matters By Danny Cevallos Kid Cudi testified today that, in 2012, his dog watcher called to alert him that his car was on fire. He testified that it appeared someone had cut open the top of his Porsche, and 'that's where the Molotov cocktail was put in,' destroying the car. This is critical evidence for the prosecution because it is evidence of arson, which is one of the 'predicate' racketeering crimes listed in the racketeering (RICO) statute. However, Diddy is charged with racketeering conspiracy, which is even easier for the government to prove. To convict a defendant of racketeering conspiracy, the government must prove only that the defendant agreed with others to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering (those predicate crimes). The government does not need to prove a conspiracy to commit those specific predicate acts, like the arson of Kid Cudi's car. In fact, the government must prove only that two racketeering acts were, or were intended to be, committed as part of the conspiracy. The government does not have to prove that the defendant himself committed any of these predicate crimes (like arson). The government doesn't even need to prove Diddy himself agreed to commit any of the predicate acts (like arson). While the government must establish that Diddy participated in some manner in the overall objective of the conspiracy, it does not need to prove that the hip-hop mogul himself tossed a Molotov cocktail into the Porsche, or even that he participated in the arson himself. What's next No court tomorrow. The trial resumes on Tuesday, after Memorial Day. Enjoy your holiday weekend. PSA: Every night during Diddy's trial, NBC's 'Dateline' will drop special episodes of the 'True Crime Weekly' podcast to get you up to speed. 'Dateline' correspondent Andrea Canning chats with NBC News' Chloe Melas and special guests — right in front of the courthouse. Listen here.