Latest news with #Sean'Diddy'Combs
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Even if you think Sean Combs is guilty, his conviction should give you pause
The verdict against Sean 'Diddy' Combs early this month sent shock waves through the feminist community. Despite harrowing testimony and video evidence of violence, jurors acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs and his team celebrated, while many Americans mourned the death of #MeToo. There was some consolation for those who wanted Combs held accountable: The disgraced rapper was found guilty of violating the Mann Act by transporting male sex workers across state lines for prostitution, for which he could face up to 20 years in prison. Important questions abound about the sex trafficking and racketeering charges — not only whether the jury applied the law justly based on the evidence of the case, but also whether the federal government should have used the sex trafficking and racketeering statutes to bring charges, whether those laws should cover the conduct at issue and what it all means for women's equality. These make for rich debates. My point is narrower: We should not celebrate the government's successful use of the Mann Act nor its excessive penalties for acts related to consensual commercial sex. This is a poor mechanism to make up for a jury's reluctance to convict on more serious charges. The act does not require coercion, and anyone involved in the transportation of the sex workers could have been charged. If the government earnestly enforced the act, federal courts would be too clogged to function. Let's be clear about how this works. If two people drive from San Diego to Los Angeles to engage in sex work, they have committed no crime, although a later act of exchanging sex for money could be a minor misdemeanor. Now imagine the same people drive from California to Las Vegas. Even if sex never occurs and money never changes hands, each has committed two Mann Act violations — as transporter and as accomplice — warranting up to 20 years in prison (10 years for each offense). Is there some moral distinction between traveling to Los Angeles versus Las Vegas? The only difference is that the federal government has jurisdiction over interstate activity, and so crossing state lines triggers federal power. In 1910, the government — largely for racist, xenophobic and patriarchal reasons — seized that power through the Mann Act. Officially titled the White-Slave Traffic Act, the law prohibited transporting women for prostitution or any other 'immoral purpose.' It was later amended to apply to the transportation of men as well, and 'immoral purpose' was replaced with 'any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.' Prosecutors often employ easier-to-prove charges when they anticipate struggling to secure convictions on more serious offenses. For instance, when proving intent to commit burglary is difficult, they may fall back on 'possession of burglary tools.' But even putting aside the many civil libertarian and constitutional objections to such practices, the Mann Act has proven a particularly pernicious 'make-up' crime. The act was born of a time of widespread hostility to immigration, moralist backlash to sexually progressive urban culture and anxiety that rural wives and daughters would flee to cities in search of liberation. Like an early QAnon, the media and the public fixated on fictional epidemics of white girls being coaxed or kidnapped by foreign men and unscrupulous women into a life of sexual slavery in 'dens of iniquity.' One supporter of the act queried, 'Shall we defend our American civilization or lower our glorious flag to the most despicable foreigners — French, Irish, Italians, Jews and Mongolians?' The law's namesake James Mann seized the opportunity to characterize enslavement as something minorities do to whites, declaring that prostitution was 'much more horrible than any black-slave traffic ever was in the history of the world.' Although passed in the name of saving women, the act became a tool for prosecuting them. In 1915, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. approved the prosecution of transported women, such as 'professional prostitutes,' urging that we 'abandon the illusion that the woman always is the victim.' In the infamous 1930s Scottsboro Boys case, white women feared they might be prosecuted under the Mann Act and so fabricated rape claims against Black teens. As Mann Act enforcement intensified and helped give rise to the modern FBI, agents targeted interracial couples to deter race-mixing. Law enforcement also focused on suspected mobsters and political opponents vacationing with their girlfriends, celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and prominent Black men including heavyweight champ Jack Johnson, whom racists of the time condemned as audaciously flaunting his relationships with white women. Prosecuted in 1913, he was granted a posthumous presidential pardon in 2018. Historian Anne Gray Fischer notes that by the end of the Progressive Era, 'white slavery' had simply become 'a euphemism for interracial sex.' Why does all of that history matter if today's prosecutors are using the law against people who many think should be convicted of something? The drafters of the 1962 Model Penal Code addressed this directly. They described the Mann Act as 'an extraordinary incursion of the federal government into the field of regulating local morals' and a prime example of a 'dead letter' law. Such laws enable prosecutors 'to decide for themselves who shall be subjected to penal sanctions and why' and thus 'lend themselves to discriminatory enforcement, e.g., where the parties involved are of different races.' Combs should be held accountable for his abusive and exploitative conduct. But we should not cheer the practice of federal prosecutors choosing whom to punish based on politics, press or public pressure and dusting off overbroad, archaic laws. Their very existence should trouble us. Aya Gruber is a professor of law at USC Law School and author of the forthcoming book 'The Crime of Sex.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs Could End Up Broke Amid Lawsuits, Legal Fees and Tarnished Business Deals
As Sean 'Diddy' Combs cools his heels in the clink while awaiting sentencing on prostitution charges, experts tell the National Enquirer that the hip-hop mogul may also be facing financial ruin from an avalanche of civil lawsuits and potential lost business deals. The 'All About the Benjamins' rapper, 55, was recently acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges — but found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, which could earn him up to 20 years in prison. A judge denied a bail request from his attorney and ordered Combs to remain in custody ahead of his hearing. Prosecutors had accused the Bad Boys Records cofounder of masterminding a criminal conspiracy that used intimidation, brute force and cash to arrange drug-fueled parties dubbed 'freak offs.' Combs has long maintained that he's innocent — but he's been held in a New York City jail since his arrest in September 2024. Even if he's sprung with time served, experts tell The ENQUIRER that the former billionaire could see his estimated $400 million fortune siphoned off by legal bills and potential payouts. According to The New York Times, Combs has been clobbered with more than 50 civil lawsuits from men and women accusing him of sex abuse. His team has denied the charges and suggested that the flood of lawsuits is a money grab. Renowned New York City lawyer Pete Gleason believes that Combs has already coughed up 'millions' for his defense and tells The ENQUIRER, 'These lawsuits have the potential to bankrupt Diddy.' Combs promptly settled an explosive 2023 suit lodged by his singer ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who was a star witness for the prosecution. The BBC reports Cassie testified that Combs was an abusive bully, who stifled her career and forced her into 'humiliating' drug-fueled hookups with male escorts during their 10-year relationship — and told the court that he paid her a $20 million settlement. Devin White, a celebrity financial advisor for rappers, tells the Enquirer that he believes Combs, who started the fashion and lifestyle brand Sean John, may also lose major revenue from dashed opportunities. White explains, 'He's going to be radioactive, so his Sean John business deals with Macy's and other stores are going to be finished.' Combs has also put his Los Angeles megamansion on the market for $61.5 million, raising concerns that a total real estate sell-off could possibly leave the scandal-scarred star without a home to hang his hat. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sean 'Diddy' Combs enrolls himself for therapy in prison; Report claims it's the path to redemption
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the controversial rapper, has enrolled himself in various self-help programs and signed up for in-prison therapy in an attempt to be a better man, while he awaits sentencing at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York. Diddy looks forward to therapy and other in-prison programs... According to TMZ, the 55-year-old has put down his name for the STOP program, which is the course that focuses on preventing sexual assault, dating violence, and domestic abuse. Additionally, he is in therapy and has joined Dr. Harry K. Wexler's drug abuse program. The Bad Boy Records co-founder reportedly was part of the program even before he was arrested in September 2024, and has continued from behind bars. Diddy, who was found guilty of two counts of prostitution, has taken steps to attempt to be in the good graces of the judicial system. The source stated that Diddy is using the programs to work hard on himself, while another source claimed that the path to his redemption. Furthermore, it has been pointed out that the convicts usually take part in the courses to show the judge they're serious about rehabilitation ahead of sentencing. About Diddy's case result On Wednesday, July 2, Diddy was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo The maximum sentence for the crimes is 10 years each, and the prosecutors have requested that he be behind bars for at least 4 to 5 years. The music mogul was denied bail by Judge Arun Subramanian, citing the history of violence. However, his lawyers tried to get him out of the bars by claiming that he poses no threat of flight, as his chartered plane is in Hawaii. Diddy's sentencing term is scheduled for October 3, 2025.
Black America Web
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Diddy In Drug and Domestic Violence Therapy While Awaiting Sentencing
Source: @diddy / Instagram Sean 'Diddy' Combs is taking proactive steps toward rehabilitation as he awaits sentencing for charges related to prostitution. The music mogul, currently in federal custody, has enrolled in multiple self-improvement programs aimed at addressing his history of drug use and domestic violence. Sources close to the situation tell TMZ that Diddy is participating in the STOP Program, a federal initiative designed to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence. Additionally, he is undergoing therapy through the Dr. Harry K. Wexler drug abuse program, which focuses on substance abuse rehabilitation. Insiders describe Diddy's efforts as a 'path toward redemption,' with the artist reportedly committed to bettering himself. However, some skeptics suggest that his participation in these programs may be a strategic move to demonstrate rehabilitation ahead of his sentencing, scheduled for October 3. It is not uncommon for convicted individuals to engage in such programs to show judges their commitment to change. RELATED: The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Diddy's legal troubles stem from a federal trial that included testimony about his alleged domestic abuse and drug use, including substances like Molly. While he was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, the jury found him guilty on two lesser charges related to prostitution. Federal prosecutors have recommended a four-year sentence, but the final decision rests with Judge Arun Subramanian. Interestingly, Diddy reportedly began drug treatment before his arrest last year and has continued his efforts while incarcerated. This timeline could bolster his case for leniency, as it demonstrates a longer-term commitment to addressing his issues. The developments mark a significant chapter in the life of the hip-hop icon, who has faced both legal and public scrutiny in recent years. Whether his efforts will influence the court's decision remains to be seen, but for now, Diddy appears focused on self-improvement and rehabilitation. RELATED: Diddy Verdict: Not Guilty On 3 Counts; Guilty On 2 SEE ALSO Diddy In Drug and Domestic Violence Therapy While Awaiting Sentencing was originally published on
Metro
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Fifty Cent trolls Diddy with AI-generated baby oil video
50 Cent has hit out at his old rival Sean 'Diddy' Combs with an AI-generated video referencing Combs' recent legal troubles. Those keeping up to date with showbiz feuds will be aware that 'Fiddy', real name Curtis James Jackson III, doesn't have a lot of time for Combs, who's recently been on trial for several sex-related felonies. Yet despite Combs being acquitted of the most serious charges against him (sex trafficking and racketeering), that hasn't stopped the In Da Club singer from trolling the disgraced music mogul. In a recent Instagram post, the 50-year-old shared an AI-generated video of Combs walking down a catwalk while wearing a 'baby oil costume'. The video is set to the Jody2Good's song Baby Oil Freak Off Party, a track about the allegations against the I'll Be Missing You singer that was released last year after his arrest. Fifty captioned the video, 'I didn't know Diddy walked in the Michael Amiri show, when did he make Bond!' The post is a clear reference to the more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant that law enforcement seized from Combs' homes in Miami and Los Angeles. While the majority of those commenting on Fiddy's video seem to find the post funny, there are several who've taken issue with it. 'Don't you have anything better to do?? What an example for your sons,' wrote grentzcolleen. Meanwhile, misssunshine_c3 added, 'Now we believe Diddy is living rent free in your big head'. This is hardly the first time Fiddy's taken aim at Combs and those associated with him. Last month, he lashed out at Bianca Censori, Kanye West's wife, following West's appearance at Combs' trial. On Instagram, the rapper slammed both West and Censori, referencing her headline-making see-through outfit from the Grammy Awards earlier this year. 'We are wearing white in honour of the freak offs,' he wrote. 'Damn Ye, you should have brought your dirty little wife with that Grammys outfit! @50centaction.' More Trending Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York, while he awaits sentencing in October. On July 2, a jury convicted the 55-year-old on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution of his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman known as Jane. He was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, nor was he found guilty of two charges of sex trafficking in relation to Cassie and Jane. Combs has pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations against him. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Cassie Ventura releases statement after ex Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking verdict MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail as he faces 20 years behind bars MORE: What happens next in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentencing after verdict reached
