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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carbone Restaurant Group is a GOLD Sponsor at the Centurion One Capital 6th Annual LA Summit
Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - Carbone Restaurant Group, the parent company of the growing FAST FIRED by Carbone pizza franchise, is pleased to announce it is a GOLD Sponsor at the Centurion One Capital 6th Annual LA Summit held at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel from Monday, June 2nd to Thursday, June 5th, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. This four-day invitation only and curated event will feature: public and private companies across emerging and growth sectors highly selective audience of global growth investors insightful panel discussions led by globally renowned experts and thought leaders VIP networking events and a captivating entertainment program Centurion One Capital 6th Annual LA Summit Format: Presentations, Panel Discussions and 1 X 1 Investor MeetingsPresentation Dates: Wednesday, June 4th and Thursday, June 5th, 2025Time: 9:00 AM PDT - 5:00 PM PDTVenue: The Beverly Hills Hotel For more information and registration details, please visit: CARBONE RESTAURANT GROUP is looking forward to attending this landmark event and having the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and global growth investors and building meaningful relationships and exploring the next wave of growth companies shaping North America's future. About CARBONE RESTAURANT GROUP Carbone Restaurant Group (CRG) is a dynamic and forward-thinking company committed to delivering exceptional food experiences through sustainable and convenient concepts. CRG provides a diverse range of offerings, including its flagship FAST FIRED by Carbone QSR pizza franchise and a portfolio of delivery-only brands. Benjamin Nasberg, CEO, is scheduled to present on Wednesday, June 4th at 11:10 AM PT. Benjamin will also be attending investor meetings and participating on a panel discussion. "Carbone has a unique approach to the restaurant sector. We are committed to people and sustainability while providing an innovative value proposition that drives our franchise model and acquisition strategy." The company recently opened in Brampton Ontario, and Surrey BC, marking a significant milestone in its national growth strategy. Since launching, the franchise inquiries continue to flood in due to the positive feedback surrounding the brand. The company is also actively identifying acquisition targets and preparing for massive growth across the United States and Canada. This strategic expansion aligns with the company's mission to bring its innovative, convenient and high-quality offerings to new markets. "We are excited by the overwhelming response we've received from our customers," said Nasberg. "This success reinforces our belief in the strength of our brand and our ability to thrive in diverse markets. With strong demand and a robust pipeline of new locations, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and establish our brands, along with those we acquire as household names across North America." Learn more about Carbone Restaurant Group at Loes Chafeloes.c@ About Centurion One Capital Centurion One Capital ("Centurion One") is the premier independent Investment Banking firm dedicated to fueling the growth and success of growth companies in North America. With an unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions and strategic guidance, Centurion One is a trusted strategic partner and catalyst to propel issuers to unlock their full potential. Our team comprises seasoned professionals who combine extensive financial expertise with deep knowledge of various sectors. We take a proactive and results-driven approach, working closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies and execute transactions that maximize value and drive long-term success. Centurion One - Empowering Growth. Driving Innovation. Partnering for Success. For more information about Centurion One, visit To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Cleveland native Kid Cudi testifies in Diddy trial, alleges Combs blew up his Porsche
Cleveland native Kid Cudi testifies in Diddy trial, alleges Combs blew up his Porsche Kid Cudi, a Cleveland native, dated Diddy's ex, Cassie Ventura Fine, briefly in 2011. Show Caption Hide Caption Sean Combs' former personal assistant testifies in Diddy trial George Kaplan, Sean Combs' former personal assistant, testified about his work relationship with the embattled hip-hop mogul. Rapper Kid Cudi testified in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-crimes trial, alleging Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom after learning Cudi was dating Cassie Ventura Fine. Cudi also alleges Combs was responsible for firebombing with his car with a Molotov Cocktail after the home break-in incident. Combs is facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Testimony also included details of a raid on Combs' Miami mansion where drugs, weapons, baby oil, and lubricant were found. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Rapper Kid Cudi took the stand in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex-crimes trial, leveling bombshell allegations that Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom – and that his vehicle blew up in another incident – after the embattled mogul found out he was dating Cassie Ventura Fine. The rapper, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, dated Ventura Fine briefly in 2011. But she told the court last week that when Combs learned of their relationship, he lunged at her with a corkscrew and kicked her in the back. On May 22, jurors heard Mescudi's recollection of Combs' alleged abuse. The incidents are just some of the violent acts prosecutors say Combs undertook during a 20-year scheme to coerce women, including Ventura Fine, to take part in drug-fueled sex parties known as "freak offs" and prevent them from leaving his orbit. Jurors also heard from George Kaplan, a former assistant who alleged he saw Combs physically abuse multiple women during his time working for the rapper. Mylan Morales, a celebrity makeup artist, also told the court she saw injuries on Ventura Fine. Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Former makeup artist for Cassie recalls fight with Diddy Following Mescudi's testimony, Morales, a celebrity makeup artist who worked for both Combs and Ventura Fine, recalled a violent January 2010 incident. Morales remembered falling asleep on a couch in a suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she was staying with Ventura Fine the weekend of the Grammy Awards. She woke up when Ventura Fine entered the hotel room, and Combs later burst in and demanded to know where Ventura Fine was. He went into the bedroom and shut the door, and Morales told jurors she heard 'yelling and screaming.' 'I was just frantic and I didn't know what to do,' Morales said, adding Combs then opened the door and stormed out. She didn't see any injuries on Combs, but she said Ventura Fine 'had a swollen eye, and a busted lip, and knots on her head.' She said Ventura Fine seemed 'distraught, upset' but refused to go to a hospital. 'I feared for my life because if he could do that to her...' Morales said, before Combs' lawyers interrupted with an objection, protesting that she was going to speculate on what Combs might do to her. Asked why she didn't call the police, Morales reiterated that she feared for her life, and she never spoke about the incident with Combs or Ventura Fine. Kid Cudi's dog at center of debate between lawyers One strange delay in Combs' daily legal proceedings: There was a long exchange between prosecutors and defense lawyers about Mescudi's dog. The defense wanted to make sure that Mescudi didn't testify about the long-term effects the alleged break-in may have had on the dog or how the dog might have been 'traumatized.' 'There might be some dog lovers on the jury,' defense lawyer Brian Steel explained, adding jokingly 'He's not going to testify about what the dog thought …it's a serious issue.' Combs laughed at exchange, and the lawyers agreed there would be no testimony about how the dog's apparent emotions, but prosecutors could ask about the immediate effects after the break-in. Kid Cudi calls Diddy 'violent' The rapper was calm throughout his testimony, at times even quippy and sarcastic. 'Why did you have safety concerns?' Mescudi was asked by Combs' attorneys about his relationship with Ventura Fine, to which hit back 'Because I knew Sean Combs was violent.' Mescudi described a meeting he had with Combs and Ventura Fine at a private members club known as SoHo house after discovering his car had exploded. Combs said he had no knowledge of the damage, and Mescudi said he felt now and at the time that Diddy 'was lying.' During a long sidebar among lawyers in the courtroom over Mescudi's comments about his dog, the musician sat with his lips pursed, and appeared to grab his knees, letting out a long sigh. Combs had his hands clasped together and was resting his chin in them, staring forward and not making eye contact with Mescudi. Kid Cudi pressed on break-in claims, Cassie break-up During cross-examination, Mescudi said he left his door unlocked the day of the alleged break-in and that there was no forced entry or damage to furniture, just opened Christmas gifts and his dog in the bathroom. He confirmed that Combs was calm on the phone when they spoke after the alleged incident, not cursing at or threatening him. Asked whether he thought Combs would return to his home with a firearm, Mescudi said 'at that point I didn't know. Maybe he would … This crossed a line.' Asked about Ventura Fine's reaction to the alleged break in, Mescudi said his one-time girlfriend was 'just really shook by the circumstance of him finding out about us,' he said. Mescudi confirmed that Ventura Fine had told him about Combs' alleged physical abuse, 'that he would hit her, sometimes kick her.' When asked whether he was in love with her, Mescudi said 'yeah.' 'Ms. Ventura was leading two different lives,' defense lawyer Brian Steel said, to which Combs gave a slight nod. "She played you. That's your words," Steel said, implying that Ventura Fine had made both Combs and Mescudi believe they were the only person she was seeing. Mescudi nodded and said yes. When asked about their breakup, Mescudi said they ended things because of 'the drama.' 'It was just getting out of hand' he said, adding he 'just wanted to give it some space, for my safety and for her safety.' Kid Cudi gives soft-spoken testimony as Diddy sits stoic Mescudi's testimony was mostly soft-spoken as he recalled a brief courtship with Ventura Fine – and the alleged ire it drew from Combs. Mescudi didn't appear affected by the packed courtroom and frequently asked the prosecution to repeat questions. Kid Cudi did quip back at Combs' attorneys during his cross-examination. One lawyer asked whether Mescudi and Cassie had an "intimate relationship" and said they did everything together. That included hiking, to which Mescudi retorted, "Exercised? No, no. We watched a movie or two." Steel said they did drugs together, and Mescudi responded with a mocking, puzzled expression. "When you say drugs, what do you mean?" he asked, adding "we smoked some weed, yeah." Combs, sitting at the defense table, appeared unphased by Mescudi's testimony, staring forward and not reacting to the fellow rapper's statements. He briefly looked at the photos of the car show to the jury and at one point held his hand up to his mouth, appearing to yawn. Kid Cudi recalls home break-in after Combs learned of Cassie relationship Mescudi testified that Combs broke into his home after learning of his relationship with Ventura Fine. The "Pursuit of Happiness" rapper said the incident started after he received a call in December 2011 from Ventura Fine, who sounded 'scared' and told him Combs had found out about them. 'I didn't think she was still dealing with him,' Mescudi said, adding that he picked up Ventura Fine and took her to a hotel because he wanted to make sure she was safe. Later in the day, Mescudi said he received a call from Combs' former assistant Capricorn Clark saying the rapper was inside Mescudi's Los Angeles house. Mescudi said he began driving to his home and called Combs on the way, asking if he was inside. Combs, who sounded 'calm,' responded that he was waiting for Mescudi to arrive and that he wanted to speak to him. Mescudi said that when he arrived at his home his home, no one was inside. But his dog was locked up in the bathroom, whereas Mescudi normally lets his dog roam around the house freely. Some gifts he received from the luxury brand Chanel had also been opened. The rapper told the court he reacted to the alleged break in by getting back in his car and calling Combs again because he wanted to 'confront' and 'fight him.' Combs said he was willing to meet with Mescudi, but after Mescudi reconsidered 'the gravity of the situation,' he decided against it. 'I didn't know who he was with,' he said. 'I didn't know what his intentions were.' Mescudi said he called the police and made a report. After the incident, he also said he saw changes in his dog's behavior, as the animal became "jittery and on edge all the time." Kid Cudi alleges Diddy blew up his car with Molotov Cocktail In January 2012, Mescudi said he got a call from his dogsitter saying that his car was on fire. Mescudi told the court that by the time he returned home, law enforcement officers were on the scene and he saw a Molotov cocktail and the major damage to his vehicle. Jurors were then shown photos of the destroyed Porsche. There was a large hole in the roof of the car, and smoke damage on the car doors and interiors. The testimony is setting the stage for an expected argument that Combs orchestrated the explosion. The incident came weeks after Mescudi said he went to Connecticut with Ventura Fine to visit her family for Christmas. During that time, Combs texted him a couple times, wanting to speak and 'get to the bottom of it.' Combs had he was 'in the dark' about his relationship with Ventura Fine, but Mescudi responded: 'You broke into my house. You messed with my dog. I don't really wanna talk to you.' What did Cassie say about Kid Cudi relationship? Cassie testified that she dated Kid Cudi for a "brief period" in 2011. She said she got a burner phone for calling Mescudi so Combs wouldn't find out about the relationship. However, Combs did discover it when he looked through her phone during an alleged freak off. She said he then lunged at her with a wine bottle opener. The opener didn't hit her, and she ran off. Ventura Fine later went to Combs' house to resolve things. She testified that he was "irate" and threatened to release freak off videos of her. He also allegedly kicked her in the back on her way out, leaving a bruise. Ventura Fine later sent an email to her mother and an assistant of Combs, Capricorn Clark, saying Combs threatened to release two "explicit sex tapes" of her, one on Christmas Day and the second soon after. She said Combs also told her he would have someone else physically hurt both her and Mescudi while he was out of the country. Cassie testified that she broke off the relationship with Kid Cudi because it was too dangerous to continue given Diddy's threat to hurt them. Former Combs assistant testifies he saw Diddy abuse Cassie George Kaplan, a former assistant for Combs, testified that he witnessed Combs physically abuse Ventura Fine while they were all traveling to Las Vegas on a plane. He recalled hearing glass break and shatter during the flight and looking back to see Combs standing over Ventura Fine, holding a whisky glass above her. Ventura Fine was on her back with her legs up, trying to create space, and Combs was 'angry,' he said. There was a 'tremendous commotion,' Kaplan testified, and Ventura Fine screamed, 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Kaplan said no one on the plane did anything to help her, adding that he personally did not intervene because he feared checking on Ventura Fine would jeopardize his career. In another instance in 2015, Kaplan said he walked into the bedroom at Combs' home and found Ventura Fine lying on the bed crying, appearing to have a bruise above her right eye. Kaplan said Combs 'asked me to pick up several over-the-counter lotions,' including witch hazel, which Kaplan later learned they used to create an anti-swelling mixture. Kaplan said he resigned at the end of 2015 because he wasn't 'comfortable or aligned with the physical behavior I had seen' and felt guilty about covering up alleged abuse. Kaplan recalls alleged abuse of model Gina Huynh Kaplan also recalled an incident at Combs' Miami house where the rapper "threw a bunch of green apples" at model Gina Huynh. The apples were in a decorative bowl displayed near the entrance of the house. Combs was "very angry," Kaplan said, throwing the apples "hard" as Huynh was "trying to shield herself." Despite seeing the violence, Kaplan said he left and assumed the behavior was normal for the entertainment industry. The same night, Kaplan said he heard a commotion near the front gate of the home between Huynh and other male voices who were screaming. Huynh reportedly dated Combs on-and-off during the late 2010s. Former Diddy assistant says he 'desperately did not want' to testify The court saw a text message that Kaplan sent to Combs in 2018 that featured a photo of Kim Porter on horseback on a beach. The text read: 'No possible words rn. I am so so sorry and sending all of my condolences. Please hang in there. Love you.' Porter was Combs' on-and-off partner from the 1990s into the 2000s. She died in 2018 of pneumonia, and she's the mother of four of Combs' seven children. When asked how Porter compared to other girlfriends, such as Ventura Fine, Kaplan said, 'she was a special figure to him,' and 'she was vaunted above' the title of mere girlfriend. Kaplan praised Combs' children to the jurors and repeatedly spoke highly of the professional opportunities the rapper gave him in his former role. Still, he said, he only showed up to the courtroom because he was subpoenaed by federal officials. 'I desperately did not want to come here,' he said, and he and Combs nodded to each other as he walked by on this way out. Who is Kid Cudi? Cudi is an award-winning rapper from Cleveland, Ohio, who has released 10 studio albums, beginning with his 2009 debut "Man on the Moon: The End of Day." He has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. He's 41 years old. Outside of his music career, Cudi has also acted in films like "X" and "Silent Night" and shows like "Westworld" and "Knuckles." Does Kid Cudi have a wife? Cudi is not married, but he announced his engagement to menswear designer Lola Abecassis Sartore in November. Why is Diddy on trial? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all five counts. What is racketeering? 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 claim they have video of. Where can I watch the Diddy trial? 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. 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 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy trial replay: What did Kid Cudi say about alleged break in, car explosion?
This page reflects the news from Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial on Thursday, May 22. For the latest updates from Diddy's trial, read USA TODAY's live coverage for Tuesday, May 27. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Rapper Kid Cudi took the stand in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex-crimes trial, leveling allegations that Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom – and that his vehicle blew up in another incident – after the embattled mogul found out he was dating Cassie Ventura Fine. The rapper, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, dated Ventura Fine briefly in 2011. But she told the court last week that when Combs learned of their relationship, he lunged at her with a corkscrew and kicked her in the back. On May 22, jurors heard Mescudi's recollection of Combs' alleged abuse. The incidents are just some of the violent acts prosecutors say Combs undertook during a 20-year scheme to coerce women, including Ventura Fine, to take part in drug-fueled sex parties known as "freak offs" and prevent them from leaving his orbit. Jurors also heard from George Kaplan, a former assistant who alleged he saw Combs physically abuse multiple women during his time working for the rapper. Mylah Morales, a celebrity makeup artist, also told the court she saw injuries on Ventura Fine. Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 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. Following Mescudi's testimony, Morales, a celebrity makeup artist who worked for both Combs and Ventura Fine, recalled a violent January 2010 incident. Morales remembered falling asleep on a couch in a suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she was staying with Ventura Fine the weekend of the Grammy Awards. She woke up when Cassie entered the hotel room, and Combs later burst in and demanded to know where Ventura Fine was. He went into the bedroom and shut the door, and Morales told jurors she heard 'yelling and screaming.' 'I was just frantic, and I didn't know what to do,' Morales said, adding Combs then opened the door and stormed out. She didn't see any injuries on Combs, but she said Ventura Fine 'had a swollen eye and a busted lip and knots on her head.' She said Ventura Fine seemed 'distraught, upset' but refused to go to a hospital. Asked why she didn't call the police, Morales said she feared for her life, and she never spoke about the incident with Combs or Ventura Fine. More: What Kid Cudi revealed Cassie told him about Diddy Mescudi testified that Combs broke into his home after learning of his relationship with Ventura Fine. The "Pursuit of Happiness" rapper said the incident started after he received a call in December 2011 from Ventura Fine, who sounded 'scared' and told him Combs had found out about them. 'I didn't think she was still dealing with him,' Mescudi said, adding that he picked up Ventura Fine and took her to a hotel because he wanted to make sure she was safe. The musician said he received a call from Combs' former assistant Capricorn Clark later in the day, saying the rapper was inside Mescudi's Los Angeles house. Mescudi said he began driving to his home and called Combs on the way, asking if he was inside. Combs, who sounded 'calm,' responded that he was waiting for Mescudi to arrive and that he wanted to speak to him. Mescudi said no one was ultimately inside. But his dog was locked up in the bathroom, whereas he normally lets his dog roam around the house freely. Some gifts he received from the luxury brand Chanel had also been opened. Mescudi told the court he reacted to the alleged break in by getting back in his car and calling Combs again because he wanted to 'confront' and 'fight him.' Combs said he was willing to meet, but after Mescudi reconsidered 'the gravity of the situation,' he decided against it. 'I didn't know who he was with,' he said. 'I didn't know what his intentions were.' Mescudi said he called the police and made a report. After the incident, he also said he saw changes in his dog's behavior, as the animal became "jittery and on edge all the time." In January 2012, Mescudi said he got a call from his dogsitter saying that his car was on fire. Mescudi told the court that by the time he returned home, law enforcement officers were on the scene and he saw a Molotov cocktail and the major damage to his vehicle. Jurors were then shown photos of the destroyed Porsche. There was a large hole in the roof of the car and smoke damage on the doors and interiors. The testimony is setting the stage for an expected argument that Combs orchestrated the explosion. The incident came weeks after Mescudi said he went to Connecticut with Ventura Fine to visit her family for Christmas. During that time, Combs texted him a couple times, wanting to speak and 'get to the bottom of it.' Combs had he was 'in the dark' about his relationship with Ventura Fine, but Mescudi responded: 'You broke into my house. You messed with my dog. I don't really wanna talk to you.' During cross-examination, Mescudi said he left his door unlocked the day of the alleged break-in and that there was no forced entry or damage to furniture, just opened Christmas gifts and his dog in the bathroom. He confirmed that Combs was calm on the phone when they spoke after the alleged incident, not cursing at or threatening him. Asked whether he thought Combs would return to his home with a firearm, Mescudi said 'at that point I didn't know. Maybe he would … This crossed a line.' Asked about Ventura Fine's reaction to the alleged break in, Mescudi said his one-time girlfriend was 'just really shook by the circumstance of him finding out about us,' he said. Mescudi confirmed that Ventura Fine had told him about Combs' alleged physical abuse, 'that he would hit her, sometimes kick her.' When asked whether he was in love with her, Mescudi said 'yeah.' 'Ms. Ventura was leading two different lives,' defense lawyer Brian Steel said, to which Combs gave a slight nod. "She played you. That's your words," Steel said, implying that Ventura Fine had made both Combs and Mescudi believe they were the only person she was seeing. Mescudi nodded and said yes. When asked about their breakup, Mescudi said they ended things because of 'the drama.' 'It was just getting out of hand' he said, adding he 'just wanted to give it some space, for my safety and for her safety.' One strange delay in Combs' daily legal proceedings: There was a long exchange between prosecutors and defense lawyers about Mescudi's dog. The defense wanted to make sure that Mescudi didn't testify about the long-term effects the alleged break-in may have had on the dog or how the pup might have been 'traumatized.' 'There might be some dog lovers on the jury,' defense lawyer Brian Steel explained, adding jokingly 'He's not going to testify about what the dog thought …it's a serious issue.' Combs laughed at exchange, and the lawyers agreed there would be no testimony about the dog's apparent emotions, but prosecutors could ask about the immediate effects after the break-in. See photos: Kid Cudi's Porsche damaged in explosion allegedly orchestrated by Diddy Mescudi's testimony was mostly soft-spoken as he recalled a brief courtship with Ventura Fine – and the alleged ire it drew from Combs. Mescudi didn't appear affected by the packed courtroom and frequently asked the prosecution to repeat questions. Kid Cudi did quip back at Combs' attorneys during his cross-examination. One lawyer asked whether Mescudi and Cassie had an "intimate relationship" and said they did everything together. That included hiking, to which Mescudi retorted, "Exercised? No, no. We watched a movie or two." Steel said they did drugs together, and Mescudi responded with a mocking, puzzled expression. "When you say drugs, what do you mean?" he asked, adding "we smoked some weed, yeah." The rapper was calm throughout his testimony, even while describing concerns for his own safety. 'Why did you have safety concerns?' Mescudi was asked by Combs' attorneys about his relationship with Cassie, to which hit back 'Because I knew Sean Combs was violent.' Combs, sitting at the defense table, appeared unphased by Mescudi's testimony, staring forward and not reacting to the fellow rapper's statements. He briefly looked at the photos of the car show to the jury and at one point held his hand up to his mouth, appearing to yawn. Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L'Ermitage Beverly Hills luxury hotel, took the stand as jurors saw activity logs for Combs' stays there. For one of Combs' stays in 2015, the hotel's documents said that the rapper 'ALWAYS spills candle wax on everything and uses excessive amounts of oil,' and that his room should be placed 'out of order upon departure for deep cleaning.' The notes also said to 'please authorize an extra $1000 when guest stays with us to cover any room damages.' A housekeeping note said to 'monitor outside his room/down the hall to spray air freshener.' On one occasion, the record showed there was 'candle wax on carpets and night stands' and that a charge of $500 should be added for damage and cleaning. George Kaplan, a former assistant for Combs, testified that he witnessed Combs physically abuse Ventura Fine while they were all traveling to Las Vegas on a private plane. He recalled hearing glass break and shatter during the flight and looking back to see Combs standing over Ventura Fine, holding a whisky glass above her. Ventura Fine was on her back with her legs up, trying to create space, and Combs was 'angry,' he said. There was a 'tremendous commotion,' Kaplan testified, and Ventura Fine screamed, 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Kaplan said no one on the plane did anything to help her, and he feared checking on Ventura Fine would jeopardize his career. In another instance in 2015, Kaplan said he walked into the bedroom at Combs' home and found Ventura Fine lying on the bed crying, appearing to have a bruise above her right eye. Kaplan said Combs 'asked me to pick up several over-the-counter lotions,' including witch hazel, which Kaplan later learned they used to create an anti-swelling mixture. Kaplan said he resigned at the end of 2015 because he wasn't 'comfortable or aligned with the physical behavior I had seen' and felt guilty about covering up alleged abuse. Kaplan also recalled an incident at Combs' Miami house where the rapper "threw a bunch of green apples" at model Gina Huynh. The apples were in a decorative bowl displayed near the entrance of the house. Combs was "very angry," Kaplan said, throwing the apples "hard" as Huynh was "trying to shield herself." Despite seeing the violence, Kaplan said he left and assumed the behavior was normal for the entertainment industry. The same night, Kaplan said he heard a commotion near the front gate of the home between Huynh and other male voices who were screaming. Huynh reportedly dated Combs on-and-off during the late 2010s. The court saw a text message that Kaplan sent to Combs in 2018 that featured a photo of Kim Porter on horseback on a beach. The text read: 'No possible words rn. I am so so sorry and sending all of my condolences. Please hang in there. Love you.' Porter was Combs' on-and-off partner from the 1990s into the 2000s. She died in 2018 of pneumonia, and she's the mother of four of Combs' seven children. When asked how Porter compared to other girlfriends, such as Ventura Fine, Kaplan said, 'she was a special figure to him,' and 'she was vaunted above' the title of mere girlfriend. Kaplan praised Combs' children to the jurors and repeatedly spoke highly of the professional opportunities the rapper gave him in his former role. Still, he said, he only showed up to the courtroom because he was subpoenaed by federal officials. 'I desperately did not want to come here,' he said, and he and Combs nodded to each other as he walked by on this way out. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all five counts. 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 claim they have video of. 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. 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 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diddy trial replay: Kid Cudi alleges Combs broke in, locked away dog
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Makeup Artist Says Her Nap Was Interrupted by Diddy's Shouting — and What She Saw Next Was Disturbing
Cassie's former makeup artist testified that Diddy burst into their hotel room, shouting and enraged She said Cassie emerged later with a swollen eye and bloodied lip, and refused to go to the hospital The makeup artist said she didn't call police because she was afraid of DiddyGrammy Awards weekend in 2010 was traumatic for Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, her longtime makeup artist Mylah Morales testified during Sean 'Diddy' Combs' high-profile trial in Manhattan federal court. Morales, who was the R&B singer's makeup artist for 11 years, starting in 2007, said she was napping in the suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel she was sharing with Ventura when Combs allegedly burst in, screaming. 'Where the f--- is she?' Combs allegedly shouted, Morales said on the witness stand. Tearing through the suite looking for Ventura, Combs entered the bedroom where Ventura was staying and began "yelling and screaming," Morales testified. Later on, Ventura came out of the room looking 'distraught,' with visible injuries, including a swollen eye and bloodied lip. Saying she was shaken up herself, Morales testified that she took Ventura back to her home, where Morales stayed for a few days. At Morales' request, a doctor friend took a look at Ventura's injuries, advising her to go to the emergency room. Ventura said she didn't want to go to the hospital. Morales testified that she did not call police because she was afraid of Combs. The rap mogul is on trial facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty. Earlier in the day, "Pursuit of Happiness" rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified about how he believed Combs targeted him in 2012 for briefly dating Ventura when she and Combs were on a break. He testified that in 2012, his Porsche was damaged by a Molotov cocktail and that Combs, who had allegedly threatened to blow up his car, was involved. Combs denied the allegation. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise for more than two decades and committed such crimes as arson, bribery and could face up to life in prison if he is convicted on all counts. Since his arrest, he has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to Read the original article on People
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23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Makeup Artist Says Her Nap Was Interrupted by Diddy's Shouting — and What She Saw Next Was Disturbing
Cassie's former makeup artist testified that Diddy burst into their hotel room, shouting and enraged She said Cassie emerged later with a swollen eye and bloodied lip, and refused to go to the hospital The makeup artist said she didn't call police because she was afraid of DiddyGrammy Awards weekend in 2010 was traumatic for Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, her longtime makeup artist Mylah Morales testified during Sean 'Diddy' Combs' high-profile trial in Manhattan federal court. Morales, who was the R&B singer's makeup artist for 11 years, starting in 2007, said she was napping in the suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel she was sharing with Ventura when Combs allegedly burst in, screaming. 'Where the f--- is she?' Combs allegedly shouted, Morales said on the witness stand. Tearing through the suite looking for Ventura, Combs entered the bedroom where Ventura was staying and began "yelling and screaming," Morales testified. Later on, Ventura came out of the room looking 'distraught,' with visible injuries, including a swollen eye and bloodied lip. Saying she was shaken up herself, Morales testified that she took Ventura back to her home, where Morales stayed for a few days. At Morales' request, a doctor friend took a look at Ventura's injuries, advising her to go to the emergency room. Ventura said she didn't want to go to the hospital. Morales testified that she did not call police because she was afraid of Combs. The rap mogul is on trial facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty. Earlier in the day, "Pursuit of Happiness" rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified about how he believed Combs targeted him in 2012 for briefly dating Ventura when she and Combs were on a break. He testified that in 2012, his Porsche was damaged by a Molotov cocktail and that Combs, who had allegedly threatened to blow up his car, was involved. Combs denied the allegation. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise for more than two decades and committed such crimes as arson, bribery and could face up to life in prison if he is convicted on all counts. Since his arrest, he has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to Read the original article on People
