Guilty... and not guilty: understanding the Sean ‘Diddy' Combs verdict
Then, last September he was charged with horrifyingly serious offences; one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. An eight-week trial ensued.
The Guardian breaking news reporter Anna Betts has been covering the case. She explains why the charge of racketeering – more often levied at mafia members – was brought. The court heard evidence from two women who claimed Combs had coerced them into what he called 'freak offs', and of his history of domestic violence.
Combs was found not guilty of the three most serious charges, and guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The Guardian US's senior feature writer Andrew Lawrence tells Nosheen Iqbal about how much damage the case will do to Combs – and if the music industry is ready to reckon with the bad behaviour of its most powerful stars.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
‘You should be arrested for public indecency' people gasp as woman shows off VERY skimpy dress she's wearing to dinner
A WOMAN has left people stunned after sharing a look at the incredibly skimpy dress she wore out to dinner. Marry took to Instagram to post a video of her " birthday dinner look", which left almost nothing to the imagination. 2 She began the clip facing forward, before turning to show off a generous amount of side boob. The strappy green sequinned dress was cut so low on the side that it barely covered her breasts. And the revealing nature of the dress continued as she turned around - with the back cut so low it almost displayed her derriere. While there was even a thigh-high split on one side of the dress, so Marry could flash a bit of leg. She teamed the ensemble with a chic updo and strappy gold sandals. Despite the fact that lots of people would feel uncomfortable wearing such a revealing outfit in public, Marry seemed unconcerned as she sashayed into the restaurant. The comments section of the Instagram Reel was instantly flooded with remarks from people insisting the ensemble was entirely inappropriate. "We need to start arresting people for public indecency again," one wrote. "Because no matter how fine she looks, this is totally inappropriate, and unacceptable…." "Birthday dinner with areola out is wild af," another sighed. I was dress-coded at Disney World & forced to cough up £33 to stay "Beautiful dress and beautiful lady, but it's not appropriate for that setting," a third commented. "If a man exposed his private parts in public he'd be arrested for indecent exposure. "You're seeking attention and validation in the wrong way... "You're too beautiful to be on display like that, respectfully." "Vulgar. You can still look sexy without going to the extreme," someone else wrote. "It's sad they didn't have it in her size," another added. Can you be dress coded for wearing crop tops in public? The concept of being "dress coded" typically applies to specific environments such as schools, workplaces, or certain establishments where dress codes are enforced to maintain a particular standard or atmosphere. In public spaces, however, the situation is generally more relaxed and governed by societal norms rather than strict rules. That said, whether or not you can be dress coded for wearing a crop top in public largely depends on the context and location: Public Spaces: In most public spaces, like parks, streets, and beaches, wearing a crop top is generally acceptable and unlikely to result in any formal repercussions. People have the freedom to dress as they choose, provided they adhere to basic standards of decency and local laws. Establishments and Venues: Some restaurants, shops, or clubs may have their own dress codes. It's possible that a crop top might not meet the dress requirements for more formal venues. In such cases, staff may politely request that you adhere to their dress code or deny entry. Schools and Workplaces: Educational institutions and workplaces often have dress codes in place. Crop tops may be considered inappropriate in these settings, and you could be asked to change into more suitable attire. Cultural and Regional Considerations: In certain cultures or regions, norms and expectations around acceptable clothing can vary widely. It's always a good idea to be aware of and respect local customs and dress codes when travelling. "Can't eat my pasta without looking at areolas!" someone else joked. "You might as well be naked," another wrote. As someone else agreed: "Just go naked - why the f**k do you even have anything on if you're gonna barely wear anything? "Just wear nothing go ahead and round it down." "You're beautiful. But that's not appropriate for a restaurant," another warned. "Please be aware some places have indecent exposure laws." However, others were quick to defend Marry, with one calling her look "iconic". "The front making me anxious but the back is gorgeous," another added. "I love the colour!" a third praised. "Ok I know what kinda of tape or glue did you use to keep the dress in place bc it is working! "I need that information please and thank you." "This is proof God has favourites," someone else said. "Wow, you're looking good sis," another added.
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom finally break silence on their split confirming nine year relationship is over
out of bloom KATY Perry and Orlando Bloom have broken their silence on reports they have split after nine years as they share a heartbreaking statement. The Lifetimes popstar, 40, was revealed to have separated from her actor hubby earlier this month. Now, the couple have seemingly confirmed their split for the first time as they revealed they have moved their relationship to "focus on co-parenting." Representatives for the couple told E! News: 'Due to the abundance of recent interest and conversation surrounding Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry's relationship, representatives have confirmed that Orlando and Katy have been shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on coparenting. "They will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is—and always will be—raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect." Katy welcomed the couple's only child, Daisy Dove Bloom, in 2020, shorty after the first Covid lockdown.
BBC News
13 minutes ago
- BBC News
Sport agent Jonathan Barnett accused of rape in US lawsuit
High-profile British sports agent Jonathan Barnett has been accused of raping a woman more than 39 times, in a US a civil complaint lodged at a US district court in Los Angeles, the unnamed woman, referred to as "Jane Doe", says Mr Barnett "trafficked" her from Australia to the UK in 2017, "tortured" and kept her as a "sex slave" over a six year says Mr Barnett made "repeated threats to her life and the lives of her minor children".The 75-year-old known for representing leading footballers including Gareth Bale and Jack Grealish, says the charges "have no basis in reality and are untrue". "We will vigorously defend this lawsuit through the appropriate legal process. I am looking forward to being entirely vindicated and exonerated," a statement from his lawyers Barnett was ranked as the world's most powerful sports agent in 2019 by Forbes civil case was filed on to court documents, the pair first met in the 1990s through a professional athlete in London and reconnected online and then in person in 2017. Within a matter of weeks she relocated to the UK with her teenage children - with sports agency CAA Stellar, headed by Mr Barnett, covering moving filing says that upon her arrival, he told her he "owned" her and raped her in a hotel Barnett went on to impose strict rules to obey him at all times, referring to him as "My Master" and to "never say it hurts", according to the lawsuit. The complaint goes on to describe alleged degrading acts that included drinking urine or ingesting faeces. The alleged torture also included the woman "tied up overnight without food or water".She says she was "trafficked, threatened, tortured, and held" in bondage in different locations throughout the world, including Los Angeles, from 2017 to 2023."Realising she was powerless against a dangerous predator, Ms Doe submitted to Barnett in order to avoid being severely beaten or even killed," the lawsuit said. "Jane Doe" is also suing Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency and sports agency CAA Stellar, where Mr Barnett was executive chairman until his retirement last court documents state the CAA Stellar's parent companies, talent agencies ICM and CAA, "failed to find and/or willfully or recklessly disregarded" that substantial payments were made between 2017 and 2023, despite the woman not being an athlete or agent. It is claimed Barnett referred to her as "slave" in emails sent from his work documents say Mr Barnett used his "money and power to maintain coercive control" over the woman who was "in fear of her life and the lives of her children". Lawyers for "Jane Doe" state the case is about "institutional abuse at the highest level". They are seeking compensation on her behalf. According to LA Times, CAA said it first heard of the woman's allegations last year when her lawyers made settlement demands - and the press inquired."While the complaint attempts to connect these allegations to CAA's business, Ms Doe has never been an employee, consultant, or contractor of CAA, ICM, or Stellar, nor has she ever had any business connection to CAA, ICM, or Stellar," CAA said in its statement. "CAA takes any allegations of this nature seriously, and through counsel, promptly urged Ms Doe to contact law enforcement in the United Kingdom."
