Latest news with #TheMannAct
Black America Web
07-07-2025
- Black America Web
TSA Ends Shoe Removal Rule: A Step Forward for Travelers
Source: ROBYN BECK / Getty According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially ended its decades-old policy requiring travelers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. Effective July 7, 2025, this change applies to all passengers, regardless of TSA PreCheck status, marking a significant evolution in U.S. airport security procedures. The shoe removal rule, introduced in 2001 following the infamous 'Shoe Bomber' incident, has long been a source of frustration for travelers. However, advancements in scanning technology have rendered the practice unnecessary. Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer, explained, 'Modern scanners can now detect potential threats without requiring passengers to take off their shoes.' STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! This update is expected to streamline the airport experience, significantly reducing wait times. Harmon-Marshall predicts, 'This change could cut wait times by more than half, especially for families or groups.' Frequent flyers and travel experts have lauded the move, emphasizing its potential to alleviate stress and improve efficiency. The policy shift also raises questions about the future of TSA PreCheck, as one of its key perks—keeping shoes on—has now been extended to all travelers. Some speculate this could lead to broader changes in TSA's approach to security. READ MORE STORIES: TSA Ends Shoe Removal Rule: A Step Forward for Travelers DOGE Cuts Kill Georgia Internet Access Program For Black People What Is The Mann Act? Understanding Diddy's 'Guilty' Verdict While the TSA has not made an official announcement, the rollout is already underway nationwide. The agency aims to balance improved traveler convenience with robust security measures, signaling a new era in air travel. For millions of passengers, this change eliminates one of the most cumbersome aspects of airport security, making the journey from check-in to boarding a little smoother—and a lot less barefoot. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE The article 'TSA Ends Shoe Removal Rule: A Step Forward for Travelers' was created with the help of SEE ALSO
Black America Web
07-07-2025
- Black America Web
What Is The Mann Act? Understanding Diddy's ‘Guilty' Verdict
Source: ANGELA WEISS / Getty The sex trafficking trial against Sean 'Diddy' Combs captivated audiences for weeks. A jury ultimately rendered a verdict acquitting the disgraced mogul of the most serious charges and found him guilty on two counts of violating the Mann Act. Diddy is an icon, but the Bad Boy Records founder has a mixed reputation. His contributions to music and the culture have earned him love and praise, but there have always been whispers of his abuse across the industry. It wasn't until video of him assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie at the Intercontinental Hotel gave credence to the rumors. His mask had been torn away, and the monster underneath unveiled through hours of harrowing testimonies. While the jury didn't find him guilty of racketeering and conspiracy, aka RICO, Cassie's brave testimony paved the way for him to be found accountable through the Mann Act. The United States passed The Mann Act into law in 1910. James Robert Mann authored the law. Mann was an Illinois congressman with deep concerns about what he considered immoral behavior infiltrating the fabric of the nation, especially via the corruption of White women. Legislators called it the 'White-Slave traffic Act' previously. It represented moral panics that followed the loosening of social restrictions following the Industrial Revolution. According to archives from the U.S. Department of Justice, this law currently 'prohibits transporting any individual in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in prostitution or other sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, and related crimes.' In 1910, the act had a broader definition. It stated women could not be transported across state lines 'for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.' Citizens criticized for its broadness, prompting amendments. Lawmakers updated the definition in the 1980s. They repealed the highly subjective phrase 'immoral purpose.' The jury in the Diddy trial heard from several self-professed sex workers. They described traveling to engage in the 'freakoffs' that were at the center of the trial. The Mann Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine. The government prosecuted several other Black celebrities and other high-profile figures under the Mann Act. R. Kelly received Mann Act charges. Jurors convicted him of several counts of violating the Mann Act in 2021. Kelly attempted to have his convictions overturned on appeal recently. He was denied. The government used the law to prosecute the rock musician Chuck Berry and Jack Johnson, the first Black man to become a heavyweight boxing champion. Johnson was convicted in 1912, shortly after the law was enacted, despite the 'prostitute' in question being his white girlfriend who would later become his wife. Berry's 1960 arrest was fictionalized in the 2008 film Cadillac Records . Courts used the law to broadly condemn consensual interracial sex legally, in come cases. That does not explain every application. Johnson's paramour, turned spouse, wholly refused to testify against him. Witnesses testified against Combs. Each charge of the Mann Act carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Defense lawyers argued the Mann Act was being selectively enforced in Combs' case. They accused prosecutors of being employed to destroy a successful Black man for engaging in a common, but technically criminal, practice, the New York Times reported. Juries convict average people under the Mann act. But it is overall rare and 'a very small percentage of prosecuted federal cases,' according to Bobby Taghavi, who spent over a decade serving at the Orange County District Attorney's office, where he dealt with well-known cases and prosecuted violent sex offenders. He explained his understanding of the frequency of the law's use in a statement to HelloBeautiful . 'It is more commonly used in high-profile, complex, or cross-jurisdictional cases, such as cases involving transportation of minors, sex trafficking rings, and celebrities, or public figures,' continued Taghavi who is currently a National Managing Partner of the personal injury firm Sweet James. 'Normally, such human trafficking and prostitution cases are prosecuted in State Court, and commonly in federal court it is a supplemental charge to RICO.' Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and legal commentator, told PEOPLE that it's likely Combs will get 'little to no time.' 'He may even get time served and prostitution has a 10 year maximum,' he said. 'But the fact that he was acquitted of the most serious counts. The government would not have brought this case had they thought they could only get prostitution.' The court declined to release Combs after the verdict. DON'T MISS: Horrifying Surveillance Footage Shows Diddy Physically Attacking Cassie In 2016 Janice Smalls Combs Breaks Her Silence Regarding Her Son, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Misa Hylton Reacts To Diddy's Leaked Assault Hotel Video SEE ALSO What Is The Mann Act? Understanding Diddy's 'Guilty' Verdict was originally published on
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
What is Mann Act in Diddy verdict and how does it relate to rapper's guilty charges?
Jul 02, 2025 10:08 PM IST Sean 'Diddy' Combs was found guilty of two prostitution counts known as 'Mann Act Transportation' in legalese, and he could spend up to 20 years in prison. Diddy faces a maximum term of 10 years for each count of conviction, which may potentially sum up to 20 years.(REUTERS) Diddy was cleared on Wednesday of allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, but he was found guilty of a prostitution-related felony. He was convicted of violating the federal Mann Act by transporting individuals, including his girlfriends and hired male prostitutes, across the nation for the purpose of having sex. Diddy faces a maximum term of 10 years for each count of conviction, which may potentially sum up to 20 years. What is The Mann Act? Mann Act transportation, also known as transportation to participate in prostitution, carries no minimum punishment. It is illegal to transfer people across state lines for prostitution purposes, according to the Mann Act. Originally enacted to prevent the interstate transportation of women for 'immoral purposes,' the Mann Act targeted forced prostitution and what was then known as 'white slavery.' It came in response to societal concerns about women being forced into sex work and was one of many reform initiatives in the early 20th century.
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Cassie's lawyer reacts to Diddy trial verdict: 'She displayed unquestionable strength'
Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine's attorney is weighing in on the verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-crimes trial. In a statement provided to USA TODAY on July 2, Douglas H. Wigdor, a lawyer who represented Ventura Fine in her civil lawsuit against the music mogul, reacted to the jury's decision to acquit the once-powerful rapper of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges, while finding him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. During the trial, Ventura Fine provided emotional testimony over four days accusing Combs of abuse during their relationship. Her 2023 civil filing alleging rape and abuse, which was quickly settled, opened the floodgates to a series of similar allegations against the mogul. Wigdor praised Ventura Fine for having the "courage" to share her story publicly. "Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution," Wigdor said. "By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice." Diddy acquitted on top charge in sex-crimes trial, split verdict from jury Wigdor continued, "We must repeat — with no reservation — that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." Jurors also heard from witnesses including "Jane," a woman using a pseudonym who was romantically involved with Combs. She testified that she told Combs that she did not want to participate in "freak offs" but that she felt an "obligation" to do so because he was paying her rent. The verdict is seen as a significant victory for Combs. The two charges on which he was convicted involve violations of the Mann Act in transporting Ventura Fine and "Jane," his two former girlfriends. Prosecutors made the case during the trial that Combs led a criminal enterprise and coerced his victims into participating in sex-parties known as "freak offs," while Combs' defense argued that the accusers participated willingly. Those "freak offs" often involved travel across state and even international boundaries, which the jury decided violated the federal law known as The Mann Act, which prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of individuals for the purpose of prostitution or other immoral activities. Surviving abuse: Cassie Ventura Fine and the unlikely bond with her mother-in-law Rapper Kid Cudi, who was romantically involved with Ventura Fine, also testified during the trial that Ventura Fine told him that Combs assaulted her, and he claimed that Combs broke into his home when he found out about the relationship. The defense did not call any witnesses during the trial, and Combs opted not to testify. Contributing: Josh Meyer, Patrick Ryan and Aysha Bagchi
CNN
19-02-2025
- CNN
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs moves to dismiss federal charge, arguing statute's ‘racist origins'
Attorneys for Sean 'Diddy' Combs are moving to dismiss one of the charges the embattled music mogul is facing, arguing that the currently incarcerated Combs has been subject to a racist prosecution — which prosecutors have previously strongly denied. 'This case is unprecedented in many ways, but perhaps most notably, and most disturbingly, no White person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution,' Combs' defense argued in a new motion, filed Tuesday evening. 'Mr. Combs has been singled out because he is a powerful Black man, and he is being prosecuted for conduct that regularly goes unpunished,' the filing continued. Combs' attorneys are asking the court to drop Count Three in the superseding indictment against Combs — transportation to engage in prostitution — arguing that there has 'never been a similar' prosecution under The Mann Act. The Mann Act, which was previously called the White-Slave Traffic Act, was passed in 1910 to prohibit the transportation of women for prostitution and human trafficking. CNN has reached out to prosecutors at the Southern District of New York for comment. Attorneys for Combs have previously accused the government of racism, which prosecutors strongly denied. One of Combs' lawyers, Marc Agnifilo, told TMZ in an interview last year that the case was a 'takedown of a successful Black man.' Prosecutors took issue with Agnifilo's statements to TMZ, raising concerns in court. 'He baselessly accused the government of engaging in a racist prosecution,' one of the prosecutors told the judge at an October hearing, adding that the accusations posed a 'serious risk' for a fair trial. Combs' attorneys argued that the statute has only been used to prosecute people of color, writing, 'What was racist in its inception has often been racist in its operation.' The charge of transporting escorts across state lines for purposes of prostitution is based on a law, his defense said, which has 'a long and troubling history as a statute with racist origins, used to target Black men and supposedly protect White women from them.' Combs is facing three federal charges, also including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held at a federal detention center in New York City. Attorneys for Combs did not provide any additional comment to CNN on Tuesday evening, in regards to their latest filing.
