Diddy's former protégé Aubrey O'Day confirms she won't testify at rapper's sex-trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' former protégé Aubrey O'Day has confirmed that she will not be testifying in the former rapper's ongoing sex-trafficking trial.
In 2005, the 41-year-old singer rose to fame when she appeared on Diddy's MTV show "Making the Band" and became a member of the girls' group Danity Kane. On May 14, O'Day shared a post on her Instagram Story that fueled speculation that she would testify as a witness at the highly-publicized federal trial in New York City.
"Hey New York!!! Where y'all think I should head first?" O'Day wrote in a video taken in Manhattan. The former Danity Kane member added a balance emoji, which is a common symbol of justice.
However, O'Day set the record straight during an appearance on the first episode of the podcast "Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present: Aubrey O'Day, Covering the Diddy Trial."
Cassie Ventura Emerges As 'Star Witness' In Diddy's Federal Sex Crimes Trial: Expert
"No, I'm not here to testify for the Diddy trial — that I know of," O'Day said when questioned by hosts Robach and Holmes.
Read On The Fox News App
However, O'Day went on to claim that government officials had reached out to her regarding the trial.
"I was contacted by [the Department of] Homeland Security and I did have a meeting with Homeland Security," she said, noting that she had been asked not to provide further details about the meeting.
"I posted on my Instagram that I was here in New York and enjoying myself because I wanted to make it clear to everyone that I am not here testifying," O'Day explained.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was the government agency that conducted the raids on Diddy's homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024.
Watch On Fox Nation: What Diddy Do?
Fox News Digital has reached out to DHS for comment.
When Holmes pointed out that the podcast was being recorded "right up the street from where the trial is taking place," O'Day said, "I didn't even realize that."
Despite earlier reports that O'Day would be testifying, People magazine reported that the TV personality was not subpoenaed by the prosecution or the defense.
The trial against Diddy began May 12 at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
Authorities charged Diddy with multiple counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transporting for prostitution in an indictment unsealed in September 2024.
The Bad Boy Records founder has denied the allegations made against him and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News
Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura testified for four days against the former rap mogul. The 38-year-old became emotional at times as she sat on the witness stand detailing the alleged abuse that she suffered during her relationship with Diddy, whom she dated from 2007 to 2018.
Her husband, Alex Fine, was in court throughout his pregnant wife's testimony.
Cassie claimed she was physically abused and forced into participating in "freak offs," where Diddy would coerce her into having sex with a male escort while he watched.
Though O'Day was not involved with the court proceedings, her former Danity Kane bandmate Dawn Richard testified to allegedly witnessing Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2009. Richard told the court on Friday that one day after an alleged altercation in which she "observed Cassie being attacked," the "Last Night" rapper told her it was par for the course in a normal relationship.
O'Day first crossed paths with Diddy while competing on season three of MTV's "Making The Band" nearly two decades ago. Three years later, the rapper fired O'Day from Danity Kane during the season four finale.
Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter
Years before Diddy's arrest, O'Day had spoken out about her contentious history with the rapper on multiple occasions – often alluding to his past allegedly abusive behavior.
"[Diddy] plays one of the dirtiest games there is around," O'Day previously told Cosmopolitan of her former boss.
During an episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in 2022, O'Day claimed she was let go because she "wasn't willing to do what was expected of [her] – not talent-wise, but in other areas."
After Diddy was hit with additional allegations of sexual misconduct by 120 accusers, including minors, in October, O'Day spoke up on X (formerly Twitter), claiming his "behavior could've been stopped," but said his arrest is a "win for all women."
On Saturday, O'Day shared her thoughts on the trial in a statement to People Magazine.
"This trial is bittersweet for me, as I've been speaking the truth about Diddy for 20 years now," she said.
The singer went on to explain why she had teamed up with Holmes and Robach to cover the trial in their new podcast.
"This podcast is the first step in reclaiming my voice and career that I was robbed of when I was abruptly fired from my band in order to appear discredited," O'Day said.
"My heart goes out to all the victims, especially those who could have been spared, had anyone taken these claims seriously prior," she added.
"My sincere hope is that justice will prevail and for there to be further systemic changes within the music industry to prevent all forms of abuse from those in a position of power."
Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.Original article source: Diddy's former protégé Aubrey O'Day confirms she won't testify at rapper's sex-trafficking trial
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
28 minutes ago
- CBS News
Colorado motorcyclists at fault for over 500 crashes in 2024, 162 died, according to CSP
Colorado State Patrol says there are still too many crashes across the state, and the most common involves the motorcycle community. Troopers say motorcyclists were at fault for 669 crashes last year, a 52% increase compared to 2023. Among these crashes, 162 people lost their lives statewide. Troopers say most of these crashes occur between 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and the most common areas are on Interstates 25 and 70. Speeding continues to be the number one problem, according to CSP. This is followed by motorcyclists not being attentive on the roads, lacking experience, and driving under the influence. A motorcyclist drives down the highway on June 23, 2020 outside of Redstone, Colorado. RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images Lane splitting is another big reason for crashes. This is when a motorcyclist uses the highway lanes to drive between cars, which is illegal and dangerous, CSP says. "By going through those vehicles at highway speeds, you are causing, whether it be small or big, issues," Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gabriel Moltrer said. "A driver may not see you, so by coming close to that vehicle, you may cause them to panic, they could strike you or even somebody else." Troopers say with each ride, always wear your helmet, boots, jackets, and gloves. In case of a crash, these are the only protections you have for your head and body. They could save your life.
CBS News
28 minutes ago
- CBS News
100 Chicago men treated to Father's Day makeover, including haircuts, photoshoots, and more
A hundred men in Chicago were treated to a special Father's Day makeover experience on Monday. The Daisie Foundation partnered with two other nonprofits to provide the men with barber treatments, mini photoshoots, personal styling, and special gifts. The men also received lunch and a panel highlighting successful men from diverse backgrounds. The event served as a way to recognize the impact, sacrifice, and contributions of the fathers. One of the participating dads said he felt the love. "It's really rewarding to get pampered," Darry Smith said. "Normally, you hear it happening to the women and not the men, but for them to offer the fathers a chance to be pampered is a rewarding experience." In case you forgot, Father's Day is this Sunday, June 15.
Associated Press
32 minutes ago
- Associated Press
US imposes sanctions on El Chapo's fugitive sons, offers $10 million reward for their capture
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on the two fugitive sons of incarcerated Mexican Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and announced a reward offer of up to $10 million each for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the men. The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on Archivaldo Ivan Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar who are believed to be currently located in Mexico. Guzman's other sons — Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ovidio Guzman Lopez — are currently incarcerated in the United States. In May, federal prosecutors announced they would not seek the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez if he's convicted of multiple charges in Chicago. Sanctions were also imposed on a faction of the Sinaloa cartel known as the 'Chapitos,' or little Chapos, which has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. as well as a regional network of Chapitos associates and businesses based in Mazatlan, Mexico, that allegedly engage in drug trafficking, extortion and money laundering. According to federal prosecutors, El Chapo smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years. He was convicted in 2019 on multiple conspiracy counts and sentenced to life in a U.S. prison. 'At the Department of the Treasury, we are executing on President Trump's mandate to completely eliminate drug cartels and take on violent leaders like 'El Chapo's' children,' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. The Sinaloa Cartel, through various incarnations, is Mexico's oldest criminal group, dating to the 1970s. One of their most lucrative businesses in recent years has been the production of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year in the U.S. The Trump administration in February labeled the Sinaloa cartel a foreign terrorist organizations.
