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Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Witness testimony to resume on Tuesday

Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Witness testimony to resume on Tuesday

Yahoo6 days ago

This story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing.
Witnesses will return to the stand on Tuesday in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
The third week of the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs will resume in New York City on Tuesday, with witness testimony set to continue.When court resumes on Tuesday, federal prosecutors plan to call Combs' former assistant Capricorn Clark and representatives from Los Angeles fire and police departments.
Across two weeks of testimony in Combs' sex-trafficking and racketeering trial, federal prosecutors called 16 witnesses, attempting to prove the rap mogul embraced violence and threats to coerce women into sex and protect his music empire.
Among those who have already taken the stand are musician and Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, her mother Regina, Combs' former personal assistants David James and George Kaplan, plus rapper Kid Cudi whose legal name is Scott Mescudi.
MORE: Everyone who has testified in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial so far: Recap
Combs has pleaded not guilty and denies sexually assaulting or trafficking anyone. Combs' lawyers have argued that the rap mogul's domestic violence was driven by jealousy and drug addiction, and that his voyeuristic sexual activities, while not mainstream, are his private business and do not amount to sex trafficking.-ABC News' Peter Charalambous, Aaron Katersky, Josh Margolin, Tonya Simpson and Kaitlyn MorrisTestimony concluded for the week with an agent from Homeland Security Investigations who conducted data extraction from three laptop computers that belonged to Cassie Ventura.One of the laptops allegedly included a user profile for Frank Black, an alias used by Sean Combs.Court is now adjourned until Tuesday.'Do not talk to anyone about the case,' Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the juror before dismissing them, telling them instead to 'watch the Knicks avenge their Game One loss.'Subramanian also told the jury that the trial is 'right on schedule.'When court resumes on Tuesday, federal prosecutors said they plan to call Combs' former assistant, Capricorn Clark, as well as representatives from the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department.'I think we are right on time,' prosecutor Maureen Comey said of the pace of testimony, telling the jury the government's case would take about six weeks total to present. 'I would think that we should be able to wrap this up before the Fourth of July,' Comey said.The defense asked Judge Subramanian to allow Combs to have additional access to videoconferencing from jail. Subramanian said he has had no luck with the Bureau of Prisons. Prosecutors said they would call and ask on the judge's behalf.Absent videoconferencing time, the defense sought additional phone time, saying Combs is 'out of minutes.'

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New York Times

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  • New York Times

FINAL: Pacers return to NBA Finals!

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Could Trump pardon Diddy and end his trial?
Could Trump pardon Diddy and end his trial?

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Could Trump pardon Diddy and end his trial?

Sean "Diddy" Combs is being tried in a New York courtroom for racketeering and sexual trafficking. Could that daily drama vanish instantly if President Donald Trump pardoned the embattled rapper? "Yes, it could," says Brian Kalt, law professor at Michigan State University College of Law, who focuses on legal issues and the presidency. According to Kalt, Trump — who appears to be in the middle of a pardoning spree — would be within his presidential rights to extend a preemptive pardon to fellow New Yorker Combs, who has been described by witnesses so far as violent and abusive. "These are federal charges (against Combs), so that's the main limit. The matter has be federal, it has to be criminal vs. civil, and related to something that's already been done," says Kalt. "But the person doesn't have to even be charged yet, or convicted. The Supreme Court has said preemptive pardons are OK." Trump weighed in on the possibility Friday, May 30, in the Oval Office. "Nobody's asked" about a pardon, the president said. "But I know people are thinking about it. I know they're thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking." Trump added, "I haven't spoken to him in years. He really liked me a lot." 'Nobody's asked': President Trump doesn't rule out pardoning Sean 'Diddy' Combs Typically, one of the last gestures from an outgoing president is a pardon. In President Joe Biden's final days in office, he famously pardoned his son, Hunter, convicted of federal gun felonies and federal tax charges. At the end of Trump's first term, he granted clemency to political allies such as Roger Stone, found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and related offenses. But pardons can take place during a president's term, says Kalt. The right was established in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which among other things gives the president "power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." Kalt says the power to pardon is derived from the British monarch's historic right and stems from a recognition that criminal law was often too harsh, and it was important to have a safety valve. "The president was the best person to be that safety valve because of his political accountability," he says. But that's where things get murky, he adds, noting that Republican lawmakers "don't appear willing to hold the president accountable" for granting pardons, meaning they aren't costing him in terms of political capital. In contrast, President Gerald Ford's controversial pardoning of disgraced President Richard Nixon was perceived so negatively "that it probably cost Ford re-election in 1976," Kalt says. In just over 100 days since taking office, Trump has issued pardons to a broad range of personalities. They include Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," who were convicted in 2022 of swindling $36 million from Atlanta banks and being tax evaders, and rapper NBA YoungBoy, who in 2024 was sentenced to two years in prison for weapons possession. He also pardoned former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, convicted of wire fraud and extortion, and Jan. 6 participant and "Bob's Burgers" actor Jay Johnston. The reason many presidents issue pardons at the end of their terms is precisely to avoid political fallout, says Kalt. In that sense, Trump's brash approach suggests he has no concerns about such ramifications. "I don't agree with these pardons on their merits, but the fact that he did them when he is politically accountable as opposed to slinking out the door does add some legitimacy to them in that sense," he says. "With pardons, you don't need Congress, you wave your magic wand and it happens. You can see the appeal for a president, particularly one like Trump." One can also see the appeal for those such as Combs, whose ordeal could end instantly should Trump's pardon "wand" wave his way. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Trump pardon Diddy? Trial could end, experts say

Pardon For Pay: Will Diddy Be The Next Celebrity Pardoned By Trump?
Pardon For Pay: Will Diddy Be The Next Celebrity Pardoned By Trump?

Black America Web

time3 hours ago

  • Black America Web

Pardon For Pay: Will Diddy Be The Next Celebrity Pardoned By Trump?

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty As Donald Trump continues his second term with a controversial string of presidential pardons, the former reality star turned commander-in-chief is now entertaining the idea of possibly granting clemency to embattled hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs. During a recent press conference, Trump was asked whether he would consider pardoning Combs, who is currently on trial in New York facing charges that include sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion. The former president didn't say no; instead, he left the door wide open. 'First of all, I'd look at what's happening. And I haven't been watching it too closely,' Trump admitted. 'But I know people are thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.' Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is currently standing trial after a string of civil lawsuits and a federal indictment painted him as the alleged leader of a violent criminal enterprise; he faces a potential life sentence if convicted on the most serious counts. The charges stem in part from a 2023 civil suit filed by his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, which alleged years of physical and sexual abuse. Though that lawsuit was quickly settled, it opened a floodgate of accusations from multiple women, prompting a federal investigation. Then, in May 2024, damning security footage surfaced showing Combs attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016. The graphic footage led to Combs issuing an apology, calling his actions 'inexcusable,' though he continues to deny all allegations of sexual assault. Still, Trump seems unbothered by the optics of even floating the idea of a pardon in a case so widely publicized and emotionally charged. 'Whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact,' he said. 'If I think somebody was mistreated, I would look at the facts.' Source: Ron Galella / Getty Trump's comments reignited debate around the use—and abuse—of presidential pardon power. In the first months of his second term, Trump has issued dozens of pardons, including clemency for reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, rapper NBA YoungBoy, and a blanket pardon for all January 6th rioters. His track record for celebrity-centric or politically charged pardons has sparked concern about how presidential clemency is being leveraged for personal narratives, culture war fodder, or social media applause. Trump's musings on Diddy's legal future also rekindled public memory of their past relationship. The two were once seen at high-profile events together, including a 2005 gala at Mar-a-Lago and a 2008 U.N. fundraiser. 'He used to really like me a lot,' Trump noted, before implying that their relationship soured after he entered politics. 'I'd read some little bit nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden.' The comments come on the heels of a recent interview with Suge Knight, former CEO of Death Row Records, who also floated the idea that Trump could be Diddy's best shot at clemency. If Trump were to act on it, the move would undoubtedly add to the long and growing list of headline-grabbing pardons that have become a hallmark of his presidential legacy. Still, this is not merely a legal or political story—it's a moral one. The question isn't just whether Trump can pardon Diddy, but whether he should. With multiple women accusing Combs of violent and coercive behavior, a pardon would not only dismiss the severity of the charges but also further erode public trust in the justice system — particularly for victims of sexual violence. And yet, in Trump's America, celebrity, proximity, and popularity often blur the lines between accountability and absolution. As Trump himself said, 'It's not a popularity contest.' But as he also made clear: 'I would certainly look at the facts.' For a president who's never shied away from turning the criminal justice system into a tool of spectacle and loyalty, it wouldn't be surprising if the facts ultimately mattered less than the headlines. The question now is: will Diddy become the next recipient of presidential mercy, serving as another reminder that in this political era, justice often comes with a price tag? SEE ALSO: Report: Elon Musk Allegedly Used Heavy Drugs While Courting Trump Thanks To Donald Trump, The American Dream Is Dead SEE ALSO Pardon For Pay: Will Diddy Be The Next Celebrity Pardoned By Trump? was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE

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