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USA Today
02-07-2025
- USA Today
Diddy sex-crimes trial acquitted on top charge, split verdict from jury
NEW YORK – After nearly two months of daily court appearances in his hometown of New York City, Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing a split verdict, convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and both sex trafficking counts. On July 2, a 12-person jury delivered a split decision in Combs' sex-crimes case, which started May 5 in Manhattan federal court. Jurors found Combs guilty of transportation to engage prostitution but acquitted him on the top charge of racketeering and both sex trafficking counts. Combs, who was charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering for leading what prosecutors alleged was a criminal organization over the course of two decades, has long maintained his innocence. He previously pleaded not guilty to all charges. Combs has been incarcerated at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested on Sept. 16. How long could Diddy be in prison? //How many years in prison was Diddy facing? Combs faced a maximum sentence of life in prison for the racketeering charge. Sex trafficking has a 15-year mandatory minimum and maximum of life in prison. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Combs' verdict comes a year and a half after allegations of sexual assault and trafficking started mounting against the embattled music mogul following a bombshell lawsuit from his former girlfriend of a decade, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine, over alleged trafficking, sexual assault and abuse. The two "amicably" settled the lawsuit one day later for $20 million, but his team has claimed her legal action kicked off the criminal investigation into the Bad Boy Records founder's alleged behavior. Federal prosecutors claimed Combs led a "criminal enterprise" that operated on sex trafficking, kidnapping, drug offenses and forced labor, among other crimes. Combs leveraged his wealth and celebrity status to "fulfill his sexual desires" in a "recurrent and widely known" pattern of abuse, investigators alleged. The Grammy-winning rapper and producer, who once reigned with his A-list frequented White Parties, has also staunchly denied allegations brought forward in approximately 80 sexual assault lawsuits, which detail alleged incidents dating back to the 1990s. Combs' trial marked one of the highest-profile legal battles since the Me Too movement gained steam in 2017. What happened during Diddy's trial? Among the more than 30 witnesses in the trial were well-known stars such as ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine, Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi) and former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, also made a brief appearance to listen to some testimony on June 13. In a long stretch of testimony from May 13 to 16, a nine-months-pregnant Ventura Fine laid bare the raw details of her complicated decade-long relationship with Combs. She emotionally opened up about her participation in his alleged sexual performances that were labeled "freak offs," the physical and emotional abuse she said she faced, and the drug addiction she'd developed after using various substances in part to cope with the "freak offs." She also detailed alleged repeated physical abuse, which was captured in photographs shared with jurors. Combs' ex-employees also testified about Combs' alleged pattern of physical and sexual abuse, with a witness list that included former personal assistant and Sean John marketing director Capricorn Clark, an ex-personal assistant and Revolt director of development who went by "Mia," former stylist Deonte Nash and former CFO Derek Ferguson. The longest stretch of testimony was from an anonymous former partner to Combs, who used the pseudonym "Jane." The two were romantically involved from 2021 to 2024 – a time during which Combs was openly dating other women. Over the course of six days, Jane shared all the ways Combs allegedly pressured her to do sexual performances – namely, so-called "hotel nights" with sex workers that could last days – that "disgusted" her by leveraging his control over her finances, convincing her to take drugs and taking advantage of her desire for his approval. Diddy trial bombshells: What his inner circle said about baby oil, 'freak offs' Like Ventura Fine, Jane also vividly described Combs' alleged abuse. In one episode, she said, he'd kicked, punched dragged her before coercing her into performing sex acts with an escort. Despite this, Jane said on the stand, "I just pray for his continued healing, and I pray for peace for him." Ahead of closing arguments June 26-27, both sides rested their cases on Tuesday, June 24. Combs' lawyers rested their case in less than half an hour and did not call any witnesses. Diddy trial: Inside the media circus Combs' trial ignited a ferocious media circus over the last two months. Around the clock, social media influencers flooded the courtyard of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Lower Manhattan, just blocks away from the Brooklyn Bridge. The insatiable content creators – several of whom wore "Free Puff" and "Free Diddy" T-shirts and ball caps – often sparred with each other, and courthouse security guards, as they bellowed into their smartphone screens, recounting to their followers the most salacious details of the case (some of them true, many of them not entirely). Their antics reverberated inside the courtroom itself. Most journalists were stationed in palatial overflow rooms, where they watched the trial unfold on midsize TV screens on the 24th floor alongside members of the public. There, the behavior of Combs' supporters went largely unchecked by security, as they cackled, booed and hissed profanities when the rapper's accusers took the stand. "Gotcha, bitch!" one man yelled gleefully, after Combs' attorneys tripped up Bryana Bongolan, who struggled to recall the exact date that the hip-hop mogul allegedly held her over a 17-story balcony. And nearly the entire overflow room burst into applause when Combs' lead lawyer, Marc Agnifolo, finished his closing arguments, employing Trumpian rhetoric as he urged jurors to listen to "the real trial" and not "the fake trial" that prosecutors presented. The attitude among reporters, meanwhile, was mainly convivial, as they bonded over the collective Stockholm syndrome of the daily courtroom tedium. The moment you walk into the courthouse, everyone is required to check their phones and laptops, after waiting through snaking lines for airport-style security. Due to the technology restrictions, journalists furiously scribbled notes for six to eight hours a day, sporadically darting out of the courtroom to dictate the latest news to their editors. Given the limited number of spots in the main courtroom with Combs, multiple news organizations hired line-sitters, some of whom would start camping out the afternoon before in order to guarantee a seat inside. And as the trial trudged on for days and weeks, it attracted countless looky-loos who wanted a glimpse of the action, including law students, European tourists and throngs of sniggering teenagers. (On one particular afternoon, a family with two small children was escorted out of an overflow room by security guards, following roughly 20 minutes of them listening to highly explicit testimony about "freak offs.") In one of the trial's most unforgettable moments, a middle-aged woman dressed in an MTA transit uniform was removed from the main courtroom, after screaming at Diddy that everyone is "laughing at" him. But for the women who testified through tears, and the credible journalists who reported through eight weeks of often-harrowing testimony, nothing about this grueling case was a laughing matter. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Beyoncé and Jay-Z reportedly scrambling behind the scenes to avoid fallout from Diddy's explosive trial
The spotlight has shifted, and Beyoncé and Jay-Z are taking the heat. As Diddy's explosive trial continues, the iconic couple is doing everything they can to avoid the consequences. Though uninvolved, their long-standing relationship with Diddy makes them nervous about being mentioned. Legal teams are on high alert, and the couple is said to be afraid of unwanted associations or false claims. Why are Beyoncé and Jay-Z so worried? Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly checking the news every day, holding their breath as the scandal unfolds. Even a casual mention of the couple could have detrimental effects. The power couple is preparing for possible repercussions should their names appear in court, even though they have not been charged with any wrongdoing. Despite no accusations, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are afraid of the fallout from their trial. ALSO READ: Iran threatens U.S: Analysts warn of potential sneak attack by Tehran on America as tensions soar Live Events They could be mentioned because they shared Diddy's world for a considerable amount of time. Since the trial reveals Diddy's alleged history of abuse, drug-fueled parties, and a secretive lifestyle, they don't want their names linked to it, as per a report by The Blast. Were they falsely linked to any claims? Beyoncé and Jay-Z allegedly witnessed Diddy assaulting a man at a party in April, according to a civil suit, which increased pressure. Their attorneys swiftly refuted the allegation by demonstrating that the couple was on vacation in Hawaii. What's their history with Diddy? Diddy's long-standing relationship with Beyoncé and Jay-Z has their lawyers on edge. Diddy co-wrote and produced her solo single "Summertime," which they performed at his opulent White Parties in 2003. Jay-Z, a hip-hop superstar since the 1990s, has been linked to Diddy's high-profile events and industry collaborations. Jay-Z flatly denied the most explosive accusation, shocking the media. He claimed that Tony Buzbee, a lawyer, sent a demand letter to his lawyer alleging that Diddy and Jay-Z assaulted a 13-year-old girl at an MTV after-party in 2000. The claim shocked the media and also prompted Jay-Z to respond, even though no charges were filed. FAQs Are Beyoncé and Jay-Z involved in Diddy's legal case? They are not accused of anything, but they are reportedly concerned about being mentioned in court because of their past relationships with Diddy. Have they addressed any specific allegations? Jay-Z strongly denied the false rape allegation, calling it extortion. He and Beyoncé provided proof that they were in Hawaii during another falsely reported incident. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Beyoncé and Jay-Z gripped by fear as Diddy's sex trafficking trial nears explosive end: ‘They were living in the same world'
As Sean "Diddy" Combs faces explosive allegations in a federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial that began on May 5, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, his former close aides, are privately navigating a storm of their own. While the couple have not been accused of any wrongdoing, their long-time ties to the hip-hop mogul have left them worried about being pulled into the public fallout. Beyoncé and Jay-Z fear being mentioned in Diddy's trial According to a Daily Mail report, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been on edge since the trial gained national media attention. Though their names have only surfaced peripherally, the couple are reportedly anxious that their past connections with Diddy could draw them into further controversy. Instagram: Instagram|Jayzz_official 'They were living in the same world as Diddy for a long time,' a source told the publication. 'They didn't do anything wrong, but they really don't want their names associated with the trial.' False party allegations left them furious This is not the first time Bey and Jay have been dragged into the Diddy drama. Back in April, a civil suit claimed the couple had been present at a party where Diddy allegedly assaulted a man. That detail was later debunked by their legal team, who provided proof that Beyoncé and Jay-Z were vacationing in Hawaii at the time. Still, the original claim received wide media coverage, while the correction barely made a dent. 'They were really upset about that,' an insider shared. 'It was an obvious lie, but the damage was already done.' Jay-Z was slammed with a horrific allegation and fought back In another shocking claim, Jay-Z was named in a civil lawsuit last December, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, who accused him and Diddy of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at an MTV after-party in 2000. The shocking claim triggered intense media scrutiny, though no criminal charges were filed. Credit: X Jay-Z issued a rare and fiery public statement in response, calling the accusation 'a blackmail attempt' and demanding a criminal complaint if the allegation had any merit. 'These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one,' he wrote. Jay-Z also opened up about the personal toll it took on his family, especially on his children. Eventually, the lawsuit was withdrawn. He then filed a defamation and extortion countersuit against the accuser and her legal team. Couple's old ties to Diddy are now under scrutiny Though Beyoncé and Jay-Z have largely kept a low profile during the trial, their historic connection to Diddy hasn't gone unnoticed. From producing music together to sharing tables at Diddy's infamous White Parties, the trio were often seen moving in the same elite circles. In hindsight, those public associations are now being examined more critically, even if the ties were purely professional or social. Credit: X Sources say the couple is now staying vigilant. Each morning begins with scanning the headlines, hoping their names haven't been dragged into the trial again. 'They're used to pressure,' the source said. 'But they're still stressed by this. It just sucks.' Even without charges, the weight of association has proven heavy as Diddy's trial races toward its expected end in early July. Diddy's trial expected to wrap up before July 4 Judge Arun Subramanian recently gave the first concrete update on the trial's timeline, revealing that proceedings are likely to conclude before July 4. Though he didn't share specifics about how that date was determined, the estimate offers a glimpse of when this legal chapter may finally close. Testimonies are expected to resume on Friday, June 20, after a brief pause due to a juror falling ill with vertigo symptoms. For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ye shows up to courthouse at Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial in surprise appearance
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, showed up to federal court Friday to seemingly support Sean "Diddy" Combs in his federal sex-crimes trial. Dressed in an all-white ensemble, harkening back to Combs' heyday as a host of the infamous star-studded White Parties, Ye was pictured inside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan on Friday, June 13. In additional video footage shared by TMZ and XXL Magazine outside the federal courthouse, Ye greeted Combs' youngest son Christian "King" Combs, the ex-mogul's only son with the late Kim Porter, before entering the building and walking in together. Ye was not inside the main courtroom, and instead went to a secondary overflow room that the court opened up. He sat in there for 10 minutes or less and watched a bit of testimony before leaving the overflow room. It's not clear whether he left the courthouse, was brought up to the main courtroom or otherwise. His arrival comes a day after Combs' ex-girlfriend "Jane" described being flown to a birthday party on another rapper's private jet. During cross-examination earlier this week, Combs' defense attorney Geragos described this person as a very successful rapper at the top of the music industry, and icon, who had recorded with Combs previously and had a close personal relationship with him. The rapper and fashion designer remains one of Hollywood's only vocal supporters of Combs and arguably the most famous to align themselves with the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy trial updates: spotted at courthouse after Jane testimony Ye and Combs, both controversial throughout their careers, have intersected since Combs' September arrest by federal authorities, even as Combs remains in Brooklyn prison. In an amended complaint filed in California and obtained by USA TODAY in October, a month after Combs' arrest, Ye's former assistant Lauren Pisciotta claimed that her former boss "touched, groped, fondled, grabbed and forced himself in and on" her on multiple occasions without her consent. In the filing, Pisciotta detailed one incident of alleged sexual assault she said occurred before she started working for Ye, when the rapper invited her to attend a studio session he co-hosted with Combs. The complaint alleged Pisciotta was served with a drink laced with an unidentified drug, which caused her to slip into a "heavily impaired state." Pisciotta said she woke up the next day with no memory of what happened. A song posted on X and later deleted online by Ye was released in March, according to Vulture and People. The track "Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine," features Combs, Ye and his 11-year-old daughter North West, whom he shares with ex-wife and reality TV star Kim Kardashian. The song also features Christian Combs. "I just wanna thank you so much for just taking care of my kids, man; 'Cause ain't nobody reach out to me / Ain't nobody call me, you know what I'm sayin'?" Combs said during the song in a phone call to Ye, seemingly recorded from his Brooklyn prison. "Nobody, you know what I'm sayin'?" "And that meant so much, you know what I'm sayin', that you reached out to them and took them under your wing while I'm in this (facility)," the call continued, according to lyrics posted by online music encyclopedia company Genius. Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Taijuan Moorman This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kanye at Diddy trial update: Ye shows up to court
USA Today
13-06-2025
- USA Today
Authorities found hundreds of bottles of Astroglide, baby oil at Sean 'Diddy' Combs home
Hear this story As the federal sex-crimes trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs ended its fifth week of testimony, jurors heard more about a subject of much speculation: the baby oil. When Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided last year, reports began to emerge of an unnerving amount of baby oil – a substance reportedly used during his days long sex parties or "freak offs." After lawyers briefly sparred over his testimony, Homeland Security Investigations agent Andre Lamon took the stand. Lamon is part of a human trafficking and smuggling group at the agency and led the search warrant for Combs' Los Angeles home. What Lamon said he witnessed there was an overwhelming amount of both baby oil and lubricant. Diddy trial updates: Rapper Ye spotted at courthouse after Jane's testimony about rapper party Lamon testified that he found 900 bottles of Astroglide and 200 bottles of baby oil at Combs' LA home. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. The court then saw pictures with stacks and stacks of Astroglide boxes as well as dozens of bottles of baby oil stashed in drawers. Authorities also found multiple bags containing ketamine, one of the drugs that allegedly fueled the "freak offs," as well as a sealed packet that had lingerie, Lamon said. The music mogul has been charged by federal prosecutors with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts. Lamon's testimony comes as the raids take center stage. Earlier in the morning, lawyers sparred over whether Lamon would be able to testify to the raid, which defense attorneys said led to two of Combs' sons being held at gunpoint by agents. Earlier this week, "Jane," a woman using a pseudonym to testify, recounted an abusive cycle with Combs, whom she dated on and off for several years. Her testimony is a key piece for prosecutors as they attempt to build the larger puzzle that paints the music mogul as not just a violent partner, but a sexual predator and criminal kingpin. Kanye in court: Diddy trial shocker Amid the day's testimony, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, showed up to the federal court Friday, June 13. Dressed in an all-white ensemble, harkening back to Combs' heyday as a host of the infamous star-studded White Parties, Ye was pictured inside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan. Ye was not inside the main courtroom, and instead went to a secondary overflow room that the court opened up for 10 minutes or less. His arrival comes a day after Combs' ex-girlfriend "Jane" described being flown to a birthday party on another rapper's private jet. During cross-examination earlier this week, Combs' defense attorney Geragos described this person as a very successful rapper at the top of the music industry, and icon, who had recorded with Combs previously and had a close personal relationship with him. Contributing: Jay Stahl, Taijuan Moorman
