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Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Diddy found guilty on two counts as he reacts to bombshell verdict
Hip hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been found not guilty of sex-trafficking and racketeering. The 55-year-old prayed in court today before a jury of eight men and four women acquitted him of the two most serious counts against him. Diddy was accused of two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, as well as the single count of racketeering. Today jurors found him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act. But Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, relating to allegations that he used he forced his former girlfriends into drug-fuelled sex encounters with other women. Combs was found not guilty on count one, racketeering conspiracy and not guilty of count two, the sex trafficking of Casandra Ventura. He was found guilty on count three, the Mann Act Transportation of Casandra Ventura and guilty of Count 5, the Mann Act transportation of former girlfriend "Jane Doe." Transportation for prostitution carries a top sentence of 20 years in prison. Before the verdict was read Diddy asked the courtroom to pray for his family, and received applause. The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. Mr Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. The trial marks a stunning fall from grace for a man who once ruled the music world with Bad Boy Records and built an empire that spanned fashion, television, alcohol, and even political activism. As well as a money-spinning artist, he founded his successful Sean John clothing line and starred in various reality TV shows. Most recently, in 2023, he released his fifth record The Love Album: Off The Grid and earned his first solo nomination at the Grammy awards. The same year he was also named a Global Icon at the MTV Awards. The verdict is expected to have wide-ranging repercussions for the music industry, where Combs has long been a dominant figure. He discovered The Notorious B.I.G., launched multi-platinum careers, and amassed a personal fortune through brand deals and entertainment ventures. Numerous artists signed to his label - some of whom were present at various points in the courtroom - have remained silent as the trial unfolded. On Tuesday, the 12-strong jury had come back saying they had agreed on four of the five counts. But jurors were unable to decide on the racketeering charge, which carries a possible life prison term. Judge Arun Subramanian heard arguments from both the prosecution and the rapper's defence attorneys on how to proceed, before urging the jurors to keep trying to come to a unanimous decision. The prosecution urged the judge to use an Allen charge, which is a set of instructions given to a hung jury to press its members to reach a unanimous decision. Over the course of the seven-week trial, the star had been accused of forcing women into days-long 'Freak off' sex parties. It claimed he led a sordid double life and used violence, fear and drugs against women. Throughout the trial, prosecutors painted a chilling portrait of Combs. "You've learned a lot about Sean Combs," Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik told jurors during closing arguments. This included the testimonies of Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, Combs' longtime partner, and another victim referred to only as 'Jane.' Both women described being coerced into so-called 'Freak Offs' - forced sex acts with male escorts arranged by Combs while he watched and recorded them. 'The rapper's abuse of Ms Ventura was 'constant and controlling,' Slavik said. During the trial, Ventura described to jurors how her then-boyfriend 'would smash me in my head, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down'. Describing their time together, the 38-year-old said her former boyfriend subjected her to repeated physical violence. 'He would smash me in my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down,' she testified. When asked how often the abuse occurred, she replied, 'Too frequently.' Ventura recounted injuries, including welts on her forehead, bruises, and busted lips. She was also asked to explain the context of a still image taken from widely circulated surveillance footage of the InterContinental Hotel in 2016. Earlier, prosecutor Emily Johnson had told the jury that Combs paid a $100,000 bribe to ensure the video footage of the assault would never surface. Despite the hush money, the clip was eventually obtained and published by CNN in 2023. Ventura said the incident followed what Combs termed a 'Freak Off' - a voyeuristic sexual encounter arranged at his request. 'He would watch me have intercourse with another man,' she said, adding that Combs first introduced the idea within the first year of their relationship. 'Eventually it became a job for me,' Ventura told the jury. 'Sean set it up in the beginning. He was in charge.' She reminded the jury of the viral hotel surveillance footage from 2016, shown multiple times during the trial, in which Combs is seen chasing and assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles corridor. 'This is what happened when Cassie said no,' she told jurors. Ms Slavik described the video as 'the moment the theoretical becomes real,' adding, 'The cloud of abuse was hanging over Cassie's head—always hovering.' Grim-faced jurors watched the footage once more as the video played in the courtroom. Combs kept his head bowed. His daughters shifted uneasily in their seats. They further argued that Combs used financial manipulation to exert control. In Jane's case, he allegedly threatened to stop paying her rent if she refused to participate in sex acts. 'He plied them with drugs. He recorded them. He used money, violence and humiliation,' Slavik said. 'Cassie and Jane did not want to have sex with escorts while the defendant watched.' She read aloud text messages from Jane to Combs, one of which said: 'I'm in fear of losing the roof over my head.' Another, sent ahead of a planned freak-off, read simply: 'I don't want to do this.' Combs's legal team called no witnesses and rested its case in just 20 minutes. Their primary strategy was to argue that the relationships were consensual, portraying the encounters as part of a 'swingers' lifestyle. The defence attempted to introduce text messages showing affection between Combs and his alleged victims, arguing that they undermined claims of coercion.
Black America Web
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
B-Side Bangers: Michael Jackson
Michael Ochs Archives The world may never know a talent as great as Michael Jackson, the globally-recognized superstar that almost 20 years after his tragic death on June 25, 2009 is still considered the undisputed King Of Pop. In the many years since we lost him, this week specifically has become an almost annual tribute to his memory where you'll hear much of his classic hits on the radio and music videos being shared in clips across all social media platforms. It's for that reason and so much more that we had to explore some of the deep cuts of his extensive career for our latest 'B-Side Bangers.' RELATED: B-Side Bangers – Mariah Carey A musician like Michael Jackson transcends time, particular given his long trajectory in the game starting from the ripe age of six singing lead in The Jackson 5 well into those very last days as a 50-year-old man — he died a mere 18 days before his planned This Is It comeback tour was scheduled to begin. From the group to his solo work, there is just something truly amazing about the way MJ's voice matures before our very eyes without ever losing that signature soothing tone that helped him evolve from an R&B prodigy into a worldwide icon. It might seem like an oxymoron to say 'MJ deep cut' when every song he's touched feels like gold — Thriller essentially is an album of number ones! — but there's definitely a few rare gems and often overlooked classics in his catalogue. Even in 2025, his musical imprint finds a way to continue through the recent success of MJ the Musical . Since opening in 2022, the Broadway show based on his life and greatest hits has grossed more than 265 million dollars, garnered multiple Tony Awards and the cast album even received a GRAMMY nomination for 'Best Musical Theater Album.' We will never forget Michael Jackson and the music he gave us for any and all occasions. As you remember the times with the rest of the world, enjoy these rarities that will hopefully make you hear The King Of Pop from a whole new perspective. Collaborations with The Notorious B.I.G. and Stevie Wonder? Scat-rapping over a rock-tinged Isley Brothers sample? The original reference song for 'Thriller' with a whole new song title and chorus?! There was nothing MJ couldn't do! 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool' (1972) Album: Ben 'This Time Around' (feat. The Notorious B.I.G.) [1995] Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I 'Superfly Sister' (1997) Album: Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix – SEE ALSO
The South African
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Diddy verdict looms: Will music mogul face life in prison or walk free?
It has been seven weeks of revealing testimony in the Diddy trial. The federal trial of hip hop royalty, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, will come to a dramatic end this week. The rapper and producer faces charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, stemming from allegations that he led a criminal enterprise spanning decades. The hip hop legend could do life in prison should he be found guilty. The prosecution presented 34 witnesses and has since rested. The list of witnesses included former partners, sex workers, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, and a woman whose identity has been protected and is identified as Jane or Jane Doe. These women testified to being coerced into sexual encounters that were driven by drugs, and that these instances often involved escorts and lavish 'freak-off' parties. Video footage was also introduced along with text messages and financial records to further drive home allegations around abuse, intimidation, and manipulation. The rapper's defence team elected to present no witnesses. Diddy did not take the stand either. His lawyers focused their energies on cross-examination and introduced evidence to illustrate how these encounters were consensual. Diddy told the judge that the choice not to take the stand was solely his decision after intensive deliberation with his counsel. A few of the allegations against the man who unearthed talents like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige have been dropped. These include allegations of attempted kidnapping, attempted arson involving rapper Kid Cudi, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The prosecution will set out to cement the portrait they have painted of Diddy as a violent predator. A person who uses his influence and his social cache to take advantage of women. The defence will attempt to convince the jury that Diddy is a victim of opportunistic individuals whose motivation is centred on resentments and fiscal gains. If the Bad Boy Entertainment founder is found guilty, he could face life in prison. More than just his freedom hangs in the balance as a guilty verdict could have detrimental implications for his legacy as a legend in the hip hop industry. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Economic Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
'I'll make sure he knows': 50 Cent has warning for Donald Trump on Diddy pardon
50 Cent has publicly cautioned Donald Trump against potentially pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is facing serious federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. This warning follows Trump's statement that he would consider clemency if he believed Diddy was mistreated. The two rappers have a longstanding feud, and 50 Cent is also producing a docuseries about Diddy's legal troubles. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 50 Cent-Diddy Feud Rapper 50 Cent has publicly warned U.S. President Donald Trump against issuing a pardon for embattled music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is currently facing serious federal warning came after Trump, during a media interaction, said he would consider granting clemency to Diddy if he believed the music producer had been "mistreated." Trump's comment came shortly after he pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were released from federal prison this month.50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, took to social media to express his disapproval. Sharing a headline that read '50 Cent Plans to Nuke Diddy's Chances at a Pardon,' the rapper responded:'I didn't say nuke anything. I simply said I will make sure Trump is aware.'He followed up with posts targeting both Diddy and Trump. In one video, Diddy is seen discussing the rise of a Black political party. 50 captioned it:'See, Trump don't like sh-- like this buddy, you run your mouth too much.'In another post, he shared a clip of Diddy saying, 'White men like Trump need to be banished,' and added:'Welp, can't ask him for help then buddy. LOL.'When asked if he would consider a pardon for Diddy—similar to the one granted to the Chrisleys—Trump said he would be open to it if the facts supported such action.'If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact on me,' Trump said Friday. 'I haven't spoken to [Diddy] in years. He used to really like me, but I think when I ran for politics… that relationship busted up.'Trump also clarified that no official request for a pardon had been made, but added, 'I know people are thinking about it.'Diddy is currently facing a series of federal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution, according to an indictment unsealed in September. If convicted, he could face 15 years to life in prison. He has denied all allegations.50 Cent and Diddy have had a tense relationship for decades. Their feud dates back to the early 2000s, culminating in public disses and speculation. In 2006, 50 released a diss track titled 'The Bomb,' where he implied Diddy had knowledge of The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 murder.'He helped ghostwrite for Diddy in the past,' 50 told The Hollywood Reporter, 'but I always felt weird energy from him.'Despite the ongoing friction, Diddy once claimed in a 2018 interview that 50 Cent secretly admired him:'You all can't see that he loves me? He doesn't want to be my friend. I want to be his friend.'Things escalated further earlier this year when federal agents raided multiple properties tied to Diddy. 50 Cent posted a screenshot of news coverage on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:'Now it's not Diddy do it, it's Diddy done. They don't come like that unless they got a case.'50 Cent is also producing a Netflix docuseries chronicling Diddy's alleged crimes and legal downfall.'This is a story with significant human impact,' he told Variety. 'We remain committed to giving a voice to the voiceless… While the allegations are disturbing, we aim to present nuanced perspectives. One man's actions should not define an entire culture.'
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I'll make sure he knows': 50 Cent has warning for Donald Trump on Diddy pardon
50 Cent has publicly cautioned Donald Trump against potentially pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is facing serious federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. This warning follows Trump's statement that he would consider clemency if he believed Diddy was mistreated. The two rappers have a longstanding feud, and 50 Cent is also producing a docuseries about Diddy's legal troubles. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 50 Cent-Diddy Feud Rapper 50 Cent has publicly warned U.S. President Donald Trump against issuing a pardon for embattled music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is currently facing serious federal warning came after Trump, during a media interaction, said he would consider granting clemency to Diddy if he believed the music producer had been "mistreated." Trump's comment came shortly after he pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were released from federal prison this month.50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, took to social media to express his disapproval. Sharing a headline that read '50 Cent Plans to Nuke Diddy's Chances at a Pardon,' the rapper responded:'I didn't say nuke anything. I simply said I will make sure Trump is aware.'He followed up with posts targeting both Diddy and Trump. In one video, Diddy is seen discussing the rise of a Black political party. 50 captioned it:'See, Trump don't like sh-- like this buddy, you run your mouth too much.'In another post, he shared a clip of Diddy saying, 'White men like Trump need to be banished,' and added:'Welp, can't ask him for help then buddy. LOL.'When asked if he would consider a pardon for Diddy—similar to the one granted to the Chrisleys—Trump said he would be open to it if the facts supported such action.'If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact on me,' Trump said Friday. 'I haven't spoken to [Diddy] in years. He used to really like me, but I think when I ran for politics… that relationship busted up.'Trump also clarified that no official request for a pardon had been made, but added, 'I know people are thinking about it.'Diddy is currently facing a series of federal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution, according to an indictment unsealed in September. If convicted, he could face 15 years to life in prison. He has denied all allegations.50 Cent and Diddy have had a tense relationship for decades. Their feud dates back to the early 2000s, culminating in public disses and speculation. In 2006, 50 released a diss track titled 'The Bomb,' where he implied Diddy had knowledge of The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 murder.'He helped ghostwrite for Diddy in the past,' 50 told The Hollywood Reporter, 'but I always felt weird energy from him.'Despite the ongoing friction, Diddy once claimed in a 2018 interview that 50 Cent secretly admired him:'You all can't see that he loves me? He doesn't want to be my friend. I want to be his friend.'Things escalated further earlier this year when federal agents raided multiple properties tied to Diddy. 50 Cent posted a screenshot of news coverage on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:'Now it's not Diddy do it, it's Diddy done. They don't come like that unless they got a case.'50 Cent is also producing a Netflix docuseries chronicling Diddy's alleged crimes and legal downfall.'This is a story with significant human impact,' he told Variety. 'We remain committed to giving a voice to the voiceless… While the allegations are disturbing, we aim to present nuanced perspectives. One man's actions should not define an entire culture.'
