Latest news with #B.I.G.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Notorious B.I.G. Allegedly Apologized for Xscape Diss Before Death, Says Tiny Harris
The Notorious B.I.G. allegedly made amends with Xscape before his death. In an interview with The Morning Hustle on Wednesday, April 30, Tameka "Tiny" Harris and Kandi Burruss of the R&B girl group recalled how the rapper — born Christopher George Latore Wallace and also known as Biggie Smalls — apologized to them before his death after previously insulting their looks on his 1994 single "Just Playing (Dreams)." On the track, Biggie hurled insults and named the sexual acts he wanted to engage in with several celebrities, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jasmine Guy and Xscape. Related: Who Killed the Notorious B.I.G.? Inside the Rapper's Shocking Murder 28 Years Ago "I'll f--- RuPaul before I f--- them ugly-a-- Xscape bitches," he raps on the track. According to Harris, 49, and Burruss, 48, Biggie allegedly apologized at a 1997 Soul Train Awards afterparty. 'Somebody came, I don't know if it was Diddy, somebody came and said, 'Biggie wanna speak to y'all,'' said Harris. 'I was just like, 'I'm going to see what he's talking about.'' She added: 'And you know, he was very nice, he was very apologetic and he basically said, 'I don't know what I was thinking. Look, I'm ugly as hell. Y'all is beautiful, and I just wanted to say I apologize for whatever.'' According to Harris, the most shocking part was that Biggie allegedly died 'probably 20, 30 minutes after that.' 'It was great to hear that he acknowledged that he was wrong," she concluded. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Related: Notorious B.I.G.'s Mom Voletta Wallace Declares She Wants to 'Slap the Daylights Out of Sean Combs' Biggie was killed when he was 24 years old, but he had already established himself as a rap legend. The Brooklyn-born musician released his debut album Ready to Die in 1994 and posthumously released Life After Death in 1997. The latter is one of the only hip-hop albums to sell 10 million copies and reach diamond status. On March 9, 1997, Biggie was leaving a Soul Train Awards afterparty when he was shot and killed by an assailant in a black Chevy Impala. His murder is closely linked to the killing of fellow '90s hip-hop superstar Tupac Shakur, as the two were involved in a battle where Biggie represented the East Coast and Tupac the West. Read the original article on People
Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers seek impartial jurors amid intense media coverage
NEW YORK - For the past year-and-a-half, allegations of sexual misconduct against rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs have attracted widespread media attention, including several documentaries and podcasts, sullying the reputation of the mogul once known for his rags-to-riches life story and for elevating hip-hop in American culture. On Monday, with his criminal trial on sex trafficking charges just weeks away, Combs' lawyers will start their search for jurors who have not yet made up their minds about the artist and entrepreneur once known as "Puff Daddy." Hundreds of New York residents who have been summoned for jury duty will arrive at the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan this week to fill out questionnaires asking them what they already know about the case. It is the first step toward seating a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates that will determine Combs' fate after a trial expected to last eight to 10 weeks. While the judge and lawyers for both sides will know the jurors' names, their identities will not be disclosed to the public. Anonymous juries are not the default in the U.S. criminal justice system, but they are frequently used in high-profile trials to protect jurors from potential harassment or threats. Combs is accused of forcing women to take part in elaborate sex performances with male sex workers called "freak-offs" over two decades. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have argued that the sex acts prosecutors described were consensual. Combs has been in the public eye for decades and is known for founding Bad Boy Records, turning musical artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, and living a lavish lifestyle befitting a celebrity whose net worth Forbes estimated at more than $1 billion in 2022. His downfall since he was indicted last September has been widely documented, including in several documentaries and podcasts such as the Max miniseries "The Fall of Diddy" and the Daily Mail's podcast "The Trial of Diddy." The media saturation could leave many prospective jurors with the impression that he is likely guilty, said Christina Marinakis, a jury consultant. "As a defense side, you're really wanting to get jurors that have not heard anything about this case or know very, very little about it, so they come in with a truly blank slate," said Marinakis, the CEO of Immersion Legal Jury. VOIR DIRE After prospective jurors fill out questionnaires, defense lawyers and prosecutors will submit a list to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of those the two sides agree should move forward in the selection process, as well as who should be excused and those about whom they cannot agree. The judge may hold a hearing to resolve any disputes. Starting May 5, Subramanian will question the remaining prospective jurors in person, a process known as voir dire designed to elicit signs of potential bias. Subramanian will dismiss those he finds would not be able to be fair and impartial. The prosecution and the defense will then be able to dismiss a limited number of jurors without articulating a reason, known as peremptory strikes. The process is not foolproof. British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell unsuccessfully sought to have her sex trafficking conviction overturned after a juror who had checked "no" when asked in a pretrial questionnaire whether he had been a victim of sexual abuse, said in media interviews after the trial that he had been sexually abused as a child. Both the defense lawyers and the prosecutors are likely to review prospective jurors' social media accounts to see if they have expressed opinions about the case or on other matters that could indicate bias, Marinakis said. Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma, a New York-based defense lawyer, said Combs' panel would likely consist ultimately of people without firm convictions about issues of consent and sexual abuse. "One side or the other will figure out a way to get rid of the ones who do have strong opinions," Margulis-Ohnuma said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Malay Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' lawyers seek unbiased jurors amid media frenzy before trial
NEW YORK, April 28 — For the past year-and-a-half, allegations of sexual misconduct against rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs have attracted widespread media attention, including several documentaries and podcasts, sullying the reputation of the mogul once known for his rags-to-riches life story and for elevating hip-hop in American culture. On Monday, with his criminal trial on sex trafficking charges just weeks away, Combs' lawyers will start their search for jurors who have not yet made up their minds about the artist and entrepreneur once known as 'Puff Daddy.' Hundreds of New York residents who have been summoned for jury duty will arrive at the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan this week to fill out questionnaires asking them what they already know about the case. It is the first step toward seating a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates that will determine Combs' fate after a trial expected to last eight to 10 weeks. While the judge and lawyers for both sides will know the jurors' names, their identities will not be disclosed to the public. Anonymous juries are not the default in the US criminal justice system, but they are frequently used in high-profile trials to protect jurors from potential harassment or threats. Combs is accused of forcing women to take part in elaborate sex performances with male sex workers called 'freak-offs' over two decades. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have argued that the sex acts prosecutors described were consensual. Combs has been in the public eye for decades and is known for founding Bad Boy Records, turning musical artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, and living a lavish lifestyle befitting a celebrity whose net worth Forbes estimated at more than US$1 billion in 2022. His downfall since he was indicted last September has been widely documented, including in several documentaries and podcasts such as the Max miniseries The Fall of Diddy and the Daily Mail's podcast The Trial of Diddy. The media saturation could leave many prospective jurors with the impression that he is likely guilty, said Christina Marinakis, a jury consultant. 'As a defence side, you're really wanting to get jurors that have not heard anything about this case or know very, very little about it, so they come in with a truly blank slate,' said Marinakis, the CEO of Immersion Legal Jury. Voir dire After prospective jurors fill out questionnaires, defence lawyers and prosecutors will submit a list to US District Judge Arun Subramanian of those the two sides agree should move forward in the selection process, as well as who should be excused and those about whom they cannot agree. The judge may hold a hearing to resolve any disputes. Starting May 5, Subramanian will question the remaining prospective jurors in person, a process known as voir dire designed to elicit signs of potential bias. Subramanian will dismiss those he finds would not be able to be fair and impartial. The prosecution and the defense will then be able to dismiss a limited number of jurors without articulating a reason, known as peremptory strikes. The process is not foolproof. British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell unsuccessfully sought to have her sex trafficking conviction overturned after a juror who had checked 'no' when asked in a pretrial questionnaire whether he had been a victim of sexual abuse, said in media interviews after the trial that he had been sexually abused as a child. Both the defence lawyers and the prosecutors are likely to review prospective jurors' social media accounts to see if they have expressed opinions about the case or on other matters that could indicate bias, Marinakis said. Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma, a New York-based defence lawyer, said Combs' panel would likely consist ultimately of people without firm convictions about issues of consent and sexual abuse. 'One side or the other will figure out a way to get rid of the ones who do have strong opinions,' Margulis-Ohnuma said. — Reuters
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers seek impartial jurors amid intense media coverage
By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -For the past year-and-a-half, allegations of sexual misconduct against rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs have attracted widespread media attention, including several documentaries and podcasts, sullying the reputation of the mogul once known for his rags-to-riches life story and for elevating hip-hop in American culture. On Monday, with his criminal trial on sex trafficking charges just weeks away, Combs' lawyers will start their search for jurors who have not yet made up their minds about the artist and entrepreneur once known as "Puff Daddy." Hundreds of New York residents who have been summoned for jury duty will arrive at the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan this week to fill out questionnaires asking them what they already know about the case. It is the first step toward seating a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates that will determine Combs' fate after a trial expected to last eight to 10 weeks. While the judge and lawyers for both sides will know the jurors' names, their identities will not be disclosed to the public. Anonymous juries are not the default in the U.S. criminal justice system, but they are frequently used in high-profile trials to protect jurors from potential harassment or threats. Combs is accused of forcing women to take part in elaborate sex performances with male sex workers called "freak-offs" over two decades. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have argued that the sex acts prosecutors described were consensual. Combs has been in the public eye for decades and is known for founding Bad Boy Records, turning musical artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, and living a lavish lifestyle befitting a celebrity whose net worth Forbes estimated at more than $1 billion in 2022. His downfall since he was indicted last September has been widely documented, including in several documentaries and podcasts such as the Max miniseries "The Fall of Diddy" and the Daily Mail's podcast "The Trial of Diddy." The media saturation could leave many prospective jurors with the impression that he is likely guilty, said Christina Marinakis, a jury consultant. "As a defense side, you're really wanting to get jurors that have not heard anything about this case or know very, very little about it, so they come in with a truly blank slate," said Marinakis, the CEO of Immersion Legal Jury. VOIR DIRE After prospective jurors fill out questionnaires, defense lawyers and prosecutors will submit a list to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of those the two sides agree should move forward in the selection process, as well as who should be excused and those about whom they cannot agree. The judge may hold a hearing to resolve any disputes. Starting May 5, Subramanian will question the remaining prospective jurors in person, a process known as voir dire designed to elicit signs of potential bias. Subramanian will dismiss those he finds would not be able to be fair and impartial. The prosecution and the defense will then be able to dismiss a limited number of jurors without articulating a reason, known as peremptory strikes. The process is not foolproof. British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell unsuccessfully sought to have her sex trafficking conviction overturned after a juror who had checked "no" when asked in a pretrial questionnaire whether he had been a victim of sexual abuse, said in media interviews after the trial that he had been sexually abused as a child. Both the defense lawyers and the prosecutors are likely to review prospective jurors' social media accounts to see if they have expressed opinions about the case or on other matters that could indicate bias, Marinakis said. Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma, a New York-based defense lawyer, said Combs' panel would likely consist ultimately of people without firm convictions about issues of consent and sexual abuse. "One side or the other will figure out a way to get rid of the ones who do have strong opinions," Margulis-Ohnuma said.
Reuters
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
How will the jury be chosen for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial?
NEW YORK, April 28 (Reuters) - For the past year-and-a-half, allegations of sexual misconduct against rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs have attracted widespread media attention, including several documentaries and podcasts, sullying the reputation of the mogul once known for his rags-to-riches life story and for elevating hip-hop in American culture. On Monday, with his criminal trial on sex trafficking charges just weeks away, Combs' lawyers will start their search for jurors who have not yet made up their minds about the artist and entrepreneur once known as "Puff Daddy." Hundreds of New York residents who have been summoned for jury duty will arrive at the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan this week to fill out questionnaires asking them what they already know about the case. It is the first step toward seating a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates that will determine Combs' fate after a trial expected to last eight to 10 weeks. While the judge and lawyers for both sides will know the jurors' names, their identities will not be disclosed to the public. Anonymous juries are not the default in the U.S. criminal justice system, but they are frequently used in high-profile trials to protect jurors from potential harassment or threats. Combs is accused of forcing women to take part in elaborate sex performances with male sex workers called "freak-offs" over two decades. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have argued that the sex acts prosecutors described were consensual. Combs has been in the public eye for decades and is known for founding Bad Boy Records, turning musical artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, and living a lavish lifestyle befitting a celebrity whose net worth Forbes estimated at more than $1 billion in 2022. His downfall since he was indicted last September has been widely documented, including in several documentaries and podcasts such as the Max miniseries "The Fall of Diddy" and the Daily Mail's podcast "The Trial of Diddy." The media saturation could leave many prospective jurors with the impression that he is likely guilty, said Christina Marinakis, a jury consultant. "As a defense side, you're really wanting to get jurors that have not heard anything about this case or know very, very little about it, so they come in with a truly blank slate," said Marinakis, the CEO of Immersion Legal Jury. VOIR DIRE After prospective jurors fill out questionnaires, defense lawyers and prosecutors will submit a list to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of those the two sides agree should move forward in the selection process, as well as who should be excused and those about whom they cannot agree. The judge may hold a hearing to resolve any disputes. Starting May 5, Subramanian will question the remaining prospective jurors in person, a process known as voir dire designed to elicit signs of potential bias. Subramanian will dismiss those he finds would not be able to be fair and impartial. The prosecution and the defense will then be able to dismiss a limited number of jurors without articulating a reason, known as peremptory strikes. The process is not foolproof. British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell unsuccessfully sought to have her sex trafficking conviction overturned after a juror who had checked "no" when asked in a pretrial questionnaire whether he had been a victim of sexual abuse, said in media interviews after the trial that he had been sexually abused as a child. Both the defense lawyers and the prosecutors are likely to review prospective jurors' social media accounts to see if they have expressed opinions about the case or on other matters that could indicate bias, Marinakis said. Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma, a New York-based defense lawyer, said Combs' panel would likely consist ultimately of people without firm convictions about issues of consent and sexual abuse. "One side or the other will figure out a way to get rid of the ones who do have strong opinions," Margulis-Ohnuma said.
