Latest news with #prosecution
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy trial closing arguments: 'Inner circle, money and influence' concealed crimes
This page reflects the news from Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial on Thursday, June 26. For the latest updates from Diddy's trial, read USA TODAY's live coverage for Friday, June 27. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. U.S. attorneys seeking a conviction for Sean "Diddy" Combs have had their final say in his criminal trial before the jury reaches a verdict. Prosecutors and attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan federal court on June 26 to begin closing arguments in the sweeping federal sex-crimes case. The prosecution kicked off closing arguments, with the day beginning around 10 a.m. and wrapping at about 4:15 p.m. While concluding her closing arguments, which reminded jurors of disturbing testimony from Cassie Ventura Fine and others in Combs' network, prosecutor Christy Slavik thanked jurors for their time. She told the 12-person group the government has presented ample evidence to establish Combs led a criminal enterprise with "total control and used his loyal staff" to go about it. "All of this evidence paints a clear picture of how the defendant committed crimes," Slavik told the courtroom. "Up until today, he was able to get away with it because of his money, his power (and) his influence." "That stops now," she concluded. "It's time for justice. It's time to find the defendant guilty." Prosecutors called forward more than 30 witnesses over the course of nearly seven weeks of testimony. Several individuals in Combs' personal and professional orbit — from ex-girlfriends Ventura Fine and the woman using the pseudonym "Jane" to Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and rap peer Kid Cudi — took the stand. As testimony came to an end June 24, U.S. attorneys painted a picture of Combs and his employees being personally involved with organizing his alleged "freak-off" sex parties, working with escorts, Combs' partners and others to produce the elaborate sexual performances. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges Combs' allegedly frequent use of escorts in his "freak offs" was cited by prosecutors as an additional racketeering act, namely interstate transportation for prostitution, for jurors' consideration. Prosecutor Slavik told the jury that, unlike the sex trafficking charges, transportation for prostitution doesn't require proof of force, fraud or coercion. She went on to reference multiple male escorts who were allegedly hired by Combs to participate in "freak offs" in various locations across the globe. One of these escorts, Slavik said, includes Paul Arthur, who previously worked as Combs' personal trainer and reportedly traveled to Los Angeles, Miami, and Turks and Caicos Islands at Combs' request. Slavik also discussed text messages between Combs and his then-chief-of-staff Kristina "KK" Khorrram, in which they allegedly planned Arthur's trip to Las Vegas for a "freak off." Slavik also mentioned Jules Theodore, who was the male escort present at the Intercontinental Hotel freak off with Ventura Fine. The prosecutor also mentioned male stripper Daniel Phillip, who traveled to Miami for Combs; Cabral traveled to LA, Miami and New York. Ventura Fine was the victim of sex trafficking multiple times, Slavik told jurors, detailing three specific instances. The first was when Combs assaulted her at the Los Angeles' InterContinental Hotel in 2015. Pointing to a text message Ventura Fine had sent Combs at the time that read "We can have fun, I don't want you thinking I don't want to," Slavik said, "She knows that the defendant won't take no for an answer." The prosecutor also noted the "freak off" did not need to have been completed for Combs to be found of sex trafficking. Combs paying Daniel Phillip to have sex with Ventura Fine between 2012 and 2014 was another example of sex trafficking, Slavik said, hitting back against the defense's characterization of the payments as compensation for sex workers' time. Lastly, she referred back to Ventura Fine's testimony about the Cannes Film Festival incident where Combs kicked her off a boat. "In case it's not clear that the defendant had the power, he spent the plane ride back to the U.S. showing Cassie the 'freak off' videos," Slavik said. She noted the three examples were hardly the only times Combs allegedly trafficking Ventura Fine. Combs' alleged "freak offs," which dominated much of witnesses' court testimony, were also discussed in U.S. attorneys' closing arguments. Prosecutor Slavik told jurors that they are not expected to find that every "freak off" was sex trafficking. "This is not an all-or-nothing situation," she said. Slavik cited Ventura Fine's alleged involvement in several of Combs' "freak offs" as an example of the coercion Combs employed in his sexual performances. She told jurors that Cassie "obviously didn't want to have sex with escorts for days on end," to have sex "with escorts when she had UTIs" or have sex workers urinate "in her mouth while she lay on the floor." The prosecutor said Combs' filming of the "freak offs" and his alleged threats to release footage featuring Ventura Fine was part of this coercive dynamic. Explaining that jurors would need to find Combs guilty of two racketeering acts in order to convict him on the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) charge, Slavik delved into claims that Combs engaged in sex trafficking as part of his alleged criminal enterprise. The prosecutor discussed Cassie Ventura Fine having "trauma bonded" with Combs to explain why she'd gone back to Combs after he'd allegedly raped her and had consensual sex with him once. Slavik alleged that Combs is "the head of a criminal enterprise" as she walked jurors through racketeering charges against the mogul. She pointed to allegations Combs physically and sexually abused Ventura Fine and Jane over and over again – and worked with his staff to force the women into "freak offs." "The concept is simple," Slavik said, calling racketeering the act of committing a crime as part of a group. "They're more powerful and more dangerous." "Remember, it's his kingdom. Everyone was there to serve him," she added, alleging Combs' staff "made it their mission" to promote his power and stature. During their closing arguments, prosecutors argued Combs kidnapped Ventura Fine and his ex-assistant Capricorn Clark. They detailed three incidents: 2004: Clark alleged she was held against her will for five days after several pieces of jewelry went missing at the rapper's home. She said she was "petrified" and forced to take polygraph tests over and over again in a New York City building. 2009: Ventura Fine alleged that Combs allegedly forced her to go to the London Hotel in Los Angeles after he stomped on her during an argument. 2011: Finally, Clark said Combs and some of his aides showed up at her home with weapons and told her "Get dressed. We're going to kill Cudi." This was around the same time Kid Cudi was dating Ventura Fine, setting off a war with Combs. During prosecutors' closing arguments, Combs had his chair pulled back about a foot behind his lawyers' seats. He appeared comfortable as his legs were crossed, looking in the direction of the prosecutors and jurors. Later, Combs held his head down with his chin to his chest, writing notes in his lap and handing them to his lawyers. Prosecutors also zeroed in on Kid Cudi's Porsche being hit with a Molotov cocktail and exploding in a January 2012 incident. Slavik alleged Combs organized for employees to set his rap peer's car on fire. She displayed images of the damaged Porsche, saying it was clearly arson. "Of course, the defendant was behind this," she said. "He literally said he was going to blow up Kid Cudi's car." Slavik appeared to be referencing Ventura Fine's testimony. Combs' ex-girlfriend told the court that Combs made similar threats around the time Kid Cudi's car was set ablaze. "It can't be a wild coincidence," the prosecutor told jurors. Kid Cudi was arguably the most famous person to take the stand during Combs' trial, along with Ventura Fine. Combs used "violence and fear" to lead a criminal enterprise that helped him subject two of his former girlfriends to sex trafficking, Slavik said in her closing argument. "The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted," Slavik told jurors in her address. "He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law." "He used his inner circle, his money and his influence to cover up his crimes," she argued. The witness identified as Jane, who dated Combs on-and-off from 2021 to 2024, alleged years of coerced sex with escorts. She initially thought the couple would just have a one-night escapade with a sex worker – but it allegedly turned into frequent "hotel nights" where Combs pushed her to have sex with several men consecutively, lasting as long as three and a half days. "I don't want to be used and locked in a room to fulfill your fantasies," Jane said in a message to Combs while they were dating, which was shown in court. "I'm not a porn star. I'm not an animal," she sent in another text. Jane also said she fainted when she learned of Ventura Fine suing Combs in November 2023 on allegations he trafficked, sexually assaulted and physically abused her. Two alleged victims – Ventura Fine and Jane – testified that Combs physically, sexually and emotionally abused them. The jury repeatedly saw hotel surveillance footage of the rapper beating Ventura Fine. The women both said they took part in "freak offs" with male sex workers while Combs watched, masturbated and sometimes filmed. Both women allege he also threatened to cut off financial support or leak sex tapes when they complained about their treatment. Ventura and Jane also both said that they at times took part in the performances because they loved Combs and wanted to make him happy – and they were fearful of the repercussions if they refused to participate in the sex acts. If convicted on all counts, the Bad Boy Records founder faces a minimum 15-year prison term and could be sentenced to life behind bars. Prosecutors spent weeks calling dozens of witnesses in their arguments against Combs. The jury heard from his former girlfriends and business associates, federal agents, security officers and others. But his lawyers wrapped up their case in less than 30 minutes without calling anyone to the stand. Why? One factor to note: Defendants in criminal cases aren't required to present evidence, and judges instruct juries not to hold that against defendants. To win a guilty verdict, prosecutors have to prove their cases beyond a reasonable doubt. Combs' lawyers haven't explained why they didn't call any witnesses. But they may think prosecutors haven't cleared that bar, or they don't want to risk calling a witness who could sway the jury against their client. As the June 25 hearing over jury instructions came to a close, Judge Arun Subramanian granted a request from Combs' team to wait until Friday morning, June 27, to begin its closing argument. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said the defense should have to start Thursday afternoon, June 26, after the prosecution's closing argument. She expressed concern that delaying it would waste the jury's time and that the defense was engaging in gamesmanship in order to sit with the prosecution's closing argument overnight and map out its response. However, Subramanian said he thought the arrangement would be fine, given that the defense is no longer expressing a concern about pushing the case beyond the July 4 holiday. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more The rapper verbally confirmed on June 24 he did not want to take the stand – one of the only times Combs spoke out loud during his weekslong trial. Combs exchanged a few remarks with the judge, saying he was doing "great" and that he thought the judge was managing the trial well. He said it was "solely my decision" not to to testify, and he "thoroughly" discussed it with his legal team. During the June 25 conference, lawyers for Combs and the prosecution continued to make their cases to the judge on how he should instruct the jury about the charges the music mogul faces. Prosecutor Madison Smyser said it's important for jurors to understand that sex trafficking may sometimes have occurred without a completed commercial sex act. She gave the example of when Combs was seen on hotel security camera footage throwing Ventura Fine to the ground near an elevator and then dragging her, reportedly during an alleged "freak off." Surviving abuse: Cassie Ventura Fine and the unlikely bond with her mother-in-law Combs' lawyer, Alexandra Shapiro, argued that Combs would be "severely prejudiced" by that instruction, even if it's consistent with existing law, because the prosecution has repeatedly tried its case against Combs as if a commercial sex act is required. The judge said he was leaning toward the prosecution on the issue but would consider the matter further. No, none of the charges from Combs' federal indictment have been formally dropped. But in a June 24 letter to Judge Subramanian, prosecutors revealed they were withdrawing some of their criminal allegations ahead of closing arguments. U.S. attorneys said they don't want jurors to consider their previous claims that Combs allegedly engaged in racketeering by attempting kidnapping in California and New York, attempting arson in California, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The move was made as part of an effort to "streamline" jury instructions that will be issued soon. Despite the tossed allegations, Combs' indictment accused him not just of attempting arson and kidnapping, but also of committing these crimes outright as part of a criminal conspiracy. The disgraced music mogul is in custody, and despite repeated attempts at bail, has remained confined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff, Reuters If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: P Diddy trial closing arguments: Prosecution says guilt is 'clear'
The Independent
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Former Mid and East Antrim chief faces prosecution over alleged deleted emails
The former head of Mid and East Antrim Council is facing prosecution in a probe into the alleged deletion of emails. Anne Donaghy has 'denied any wrongdoing during her time in office'. A solicitor of Ms Donaghy added she will 'vehemently contest these three technical offences'. Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on Friday confirmed that it has taken a decision to prosecute two people following a police probe into the alleged deletion of emails related to a freedom of information (FOI) request at the council in 2021. It comes after a BBC Spotlight programme reported police searches of the council offices in October 2021 and April 2022 were connected to an alleged attempt to delete correspondence around a decision to withdraw council staff involved in post-Brexit trade agreement checks at Larne Port. During a time of political tension over the introduction of an ' Irish Sea border', a number of staff were temporarily removed from the posts for their safety following alleged threats from loyalist paramilitaries. Department of Agriculture staff were also withdrawn from the port on February 1 2021 amid security concerns. However police later said they were not aware of any credible threats. A PPS spokesperson said one individual is being prosecuted for three offences under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and a second individual is being prosecuted for one offence under the same Act. 'The charges relate to offences allegedly committed in April 2021 and June 2021,' they said. In total four individuals were reported on a police investigation file submitted to the PPS for consideration. The PPS said a senior prosecutor carefully considered all the available evidence and applied the test for prosecution before taking decisions in relation to the four reported individuals. 'It has been determined that the available evidence in relation to the other two reported individuals is insufficient in order to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore the test for prosecution is not met in relation to them,' they said. Solicitor Kevin Winters said Ms Donaghy has an outstanding High Court legal action against the council alleging discrimination. 'Today we received notification that she will be prosecuted on three counts of allegedly concealing records, aiding and abetting another person to erase or conceal a record and attempting to erase or conceal a record contrary to FOIA and other legislation,' he said. 'Our client denies any wrongdoing during her time in office and will vehemently contest these three technical offences. 'Central to her defence will be very strong allegations of investigative bias over the manner in which this inquiry has been conducted. 'Those same allegations have been the subject of a long-running complaint to PONI, the out workings of which will feature in any trial, if one is ever directed.' He added: 'Anne Donaghy has an impeccable record and service working for the council. 'She wants to put on record her sincere thanks for the all the support she has received from former colleagues in council and beyond in the wider community. 'Our client takes a lot of strength from this and knows it will serve her well going forward when confronting what are essentially contrived politically motivated allegations.'
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' lawyer mocks sex trafficking case in closing arguments
Sean 'Diddy' Combs was portrayed in his lawyer's closing argument on Friday as the victim of an overzealous prosecution, which tried to turn the recreational use of drugs and a swinger lifestyle into a racketeering conspiracy that could put the music mogul behind bars for life. Marc Agnifilo mocked the government's case against Combs and belittled the agents who seized hundreds of bottles of Astroglide lubricant and baby oil at his properties, as he began a presentation expected to last several hours. Advertisement 'Way to go, fellas,' he said of the agents. He said prosecutors had 'badly exaggerated' evidence of the swinger lifestyle and threesomes, to combine it with recreational drug use and call it a racketeering conspiracy. 'He did not do the things he's charged with. He didn't do racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking,' the lawyer said. Sean 'Diddy' Combs did not give evidence (Yui Mok/PA) Mr Agnifilo also called Combs' prosecution a 'fake trial' and ridiculed the notion that he engaged in racketeering. Advertisement 'Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?' Mr Agnifilo asked. 'Did any witness get on that witness stand and say yes, I was part of a racketeering enterprise, I engaged in racketeering?' No, Mr Agnifilo argued, telling jurors that those accusations were a figment of the prosecution's imagination. Combs' family, including six of his children and his mother, were in the public gallery in the New York court for the closing arguments. Advertisement All his life Combs has taken care of people, Mr Agnifilo said, including the ex-girlfriend who gave evidence under the pseudonym Jane, whose rent he is paying. 'I don't know what Jane is doing today,' Mr Agnifilo said. 'But she's doing it in a house he's paying for.' Referring to lawsuits filed by Combs' accusers, he said: 'This isn't about crime. It's about money. This is about money.' He noted that Combs' girlfriend of nearly 11 years, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, sued him in a lawsuit that was settled for 20 million dollars (£14.5 million) in a day in November 2023, triggering a federal probe the following day. Advertisement 'If you had to pick a winner in this whole thing, it's hard not to pick Cassie,' Mr Agnifilo said. Cassie and Jane both gave evidence during the trial that they were coerced repeatedly by Combs to perform in drug-fuelled days-long sex marathons with male sex workers, while Combs watched, directed, masturbated and sometimes filmed the encounters. If convicted, Combs could face a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life. He did not give evidence during the trial, which is in its seventh week. Advertisement After Mr Agnifilo completes his closing, assistant US attorney Maurene Comey was expected to deliver a rebuttal summation before the judge reads the law to the jury, which is not expected to begin deliberations until Monday.
Sky News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Diddy trial latest: Defence giving closing argument in sex trafficking trial - after prosecution described rapper's 'kingdom'
Closing arguments are being heard in court, after a six-week case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The prosecution describes the hip-hop mogul's "kingdom", in which "everyone was there to serve" - while drugs were "essential" to "freak offs". Follow the latest below. 14:48:21 An 'exaggerated trial' charging 'threesomes as racketeering,' the defence say Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo begins his argument by telling the court: 'I have to move around, I can't stay in one place.' He has already been pacing energetically around the court ahead of the jury being seated. He says, 'This trial is a tale of two trials,' saying the first has been told from the mouths of witnesses, from text messages, from videos and from the evidence. Agnifilo says the second trail, given by the prosecutors, 'is very different,' calling it 'a trial of a lifestyle'. He refers to Diddy as having a 'swinger' lifestyle, going on to say the prosecution have charged 'threesomes as racketeering' and calling it an 'exaggerated trial'. 14:28:31 Proceedings slightly delayed The start of the defence's closing argument has been delayed while the court waits for a juror who has had transit issues. 14:17:49 The jury is seated The jury is brought in and Marc Agnifilo tests his microphone while pacing around the lectern. It is just after 9.15am in New York, and this is the final pre-deliberation morning of the trial. 14:04:44 Court is now in session Court has begun for the day, and Diddy enters and gives his family a wave, makes a heart signal with his hands , and gives a thumbs up. The judge is sharing a few words with the court, and asking about today's exhibits, and checking everyone is ready to get started. 13:55:55 Welcome back to our live coverage of the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial We're back with live updates of the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial in Manhattan, New York. Yesterday, the prosecution gave its closing arguments, with US attorney Christy Slavik urging the jury to hold Diddy "accountable," concluding her speech by telling the court: "It is time for justice, and it's time to find him guilty." Today, the defence will give their closing argument, led by Diddy's lead council, Marc Agnifilo. It is expected to last around three hours. That will be followed by the government's rebuttal given by Maurene Comey which should last an hour. Finally, Judge Arun Subramanian will deliver the jury charge. 23:59:08 Prosecution gives closing arguments - here's a recap Today, we saw prosecutors give their final argument in the sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. It follows more than six weeks of testimony against the hip-hop mogul, during which we've heard from 34 witnesses. For a full recap, click on the link below... 22:07:42 What should we expect from tomorrow? Today has seen the prosecution round off its case, tomorrow we will hear from the defence. Diddy's lead attorney Marc Agnifilo will give his closing argument tomorrow at 2pm UK time (9am in New York). He has said he intends to speak for around four hours. The defence's closing argument will be followed by the government's rebuttal, which is expected to last one hour. We'll be back live blogging then - join us to follow the closing days of a case that has made headlines around the world. 21:54:36 Court is adjourned for the day The prosecution's closing argument lasted for four hours and 49 minutes, putting the government's case against Diddy on all five charges. Diddy is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex-trafficking, and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has strenuously denied all allegations of sexual abuse. 21:48:37 A time to hold Diddy 'accountable', prosecution says, as it finishes closing arguments Wrapping up the closing arguments, the prosecution's Christy Slavik thanks the court for its focus, admitting, "a lot of the evidence was hard to hear and hard to see". She says Diddy "manipulated, controlled and forced" Cassie, Jane and Mia into sex acts, set Kid Cudi's car on fire and broke into his house. Concluding, she said: "You heard texts, travel records, bank records, audio and video, presenting a clear picture of how he committed crime after crime and how he and his inner circle helped him commit crimes and how far they'd go to cover them." Slavik goes on: "That proves to you he is guilty." She says before today, Diddy "was able to get away with it due to his money, power and influence. But that stops now… "It is time to hold him accountable, it is time for justice, and it's time to find him guilty."
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Mid and East Antrim Council: Two prosecutions over deleted emails
Two people are to be prosecuted following a police investigation into Mid and East Antrim Public Prosecution Service (PPS) says it's linked to the alleged deletion of e-mails related to a Freedom of Information person is being prosecuted for three offences under section 77 of the Freedom of Information other is facing one charge under the same act. A total of four people were reported on a police file submitted to the PPS for a statement the PPS said that the available evidence in relation to the other two people being investigated is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore the test for prosecution is not twice searched the council offices in October 2021 and then the following BBC Spotlight programme previously reported it was connected to alleged attempts to delete correspondence relating to the decision to withdraw council staff operating under the post-Brexit trade conditions known as the Northern Ireland Protocol. The staff, who were carrying out checks on goods arriving from Great Britain, were removed because of apparent threats from loyalist later emerged the then council chief executive Anne Donaghy had written to the UK Cabinet Office before the decision to remove staff was told the UK government that graffiti had been directly targeting council staff working on then Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots subsequently withdrew inspectors performing the checks at ports in Northern shortly after, all staff had returned to duties with the PSNI issuing a written threat assessment stating it had no information to support claims of loyalist paramilitaries threatening staff safety.
