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Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean Combs Seeking Release Ahead Of Sentencing In His Sex Crimes Trial
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorneys filed a motion Tuesday seeking the music mogul's release on a $50 million bond ahead of his scheduled October sentencing. Earlier this month, a jury convicted Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and acquitted him on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. The judge denied Combs' bail request on the day his verdict was announced, claiming that Combs has displayed a 'disregard for the rule of law and a propensity of violence.' He's been held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest last September, despite multipleunsuccessful motions for his release since. 'In the lifestyle that he and other adults voluntarily chose, Mr. Combs would be called a swinger. But in the vocabulary of the Mann Act or of prostitution generally, he might—at worst— be somewhat analogous to a 'john,'' Combs' attorneys wrote in their 12-page bail motion, obtained by HuffPost. (A 'john' is a term that refers to the client of a sex worker.) Prosecutors alleged that Combs used his fame and power to run a criminal enterprise. The indictment claims that he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice since at least 2008. Much of the case revolved around Combs' so-called freak-offs, which were sexual marathons that included male sex workers and his partners, and sometimes lasted several days. 'Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct. In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for being any sort of john, and certainly the only person in jail for hiring adult male escorts for him and his girlfriend, when he did not even have sex with the escort himself,' the motion added. 'In addition, Mr. Combs is incarcerated while everyone else involved in this identical conduct – his girlfriends, the 'cowboys,' the agency's leaders, the porn stars and others – walk free, as they should.' (The 'cowboys' refers to the agency known as Cowboys4Angels, which provides women with a 'personalized male companion,' according to the website.) The attorneys also offered to put travel and surveillance restrictions on Combs to grant his release. In response, Judge Arun Subramanian ordered the government to respond to Combs' bail motion by Thursday. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3. The two charges he was convicted of each boast a maximum sentence of 10 years. However, Combs' attorneys are seeking a sentence of 21 to 27 months, while prosecutors argue that a sentence of four to five years is more appropriate. Outside of this particular case, Combs is still in deep legal trouble. Dozens of other lawsuits have been filed against Combs, accusing him of violence and/or sexual assault. A representative for Combs declined HuffPost's request for comment. HuffPost also reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, but did not immediately hear back. Related... Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sentencing Set After Split Verdict In Federal Sex Crimes Case Diddy Gets Eyebrow-Raising Reaction From Inmates After Verdict, Lawyer Claims Diddy's Trial Verdict Doesn't Change What He's Already Shown Us Judge Denies Sean 'Diddy' Combs Bail Following Split Verdict
The Journal
02-07-2025
- The Journal
Diddy trial: The five charges Sean Combs faced - and why he was only found guilty of two of them
THE JURY IN the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial convicted him of two counts, but cleared him of some of the more serious allegations. Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail. Combs, 55, was still convicted on two lesser counts related to prostitution, and could serve time. But he and his lawyers hailed the day as a win. Prosecutors said they would seek a prison term. Here's what we know about the charges, and the potential sentence. What were the charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs? Combs faced five federal charges related to sex trafficking, prostitution, and alleged organised criminal activity. Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Not Guilty Maximum sentence: Life in prison. Prosecutors accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise with the help of staff and associates to carry out crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labour, bribery, and obstruction of justice since at least 2008. This enterprise allegedly facilitated so-called 'freak-offs' – drug-fuelled sex parties involving escorts and coerced participation. Police found baby oil and drugs during a raid on Combs' LA home, said to be connected to these events. The charge fell under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, originally designed to prosecute mafia networks. To convict, prosecutors needed to prove Combs conspired with others to commit at least two related crimes over a decade. Defence lawyers cast doubt on whether his employees were knowingly involved, and the jury ultimately found Combs not guilty. A court sketch of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Count 2: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud or Coercion – Not Guilty Maximum sentence: Life Combs was accused of coercing ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, a former artist on his label, into sex acts during 'freak-offs,' which were allegedly filmed and used for blackmail. Ventura testified she feared Combs and felt pressured to participate in these encounters. However, the jury acquitted him on this charge. Count 3: Transport for Purposes of Prostitution – Guilty Maximum sentence: 10 years Combs was convicted of transporting Ventura and male escorts across state and international lines between 2009 and 2018 to participate in 'freak-offs.' Escorts were recruited through the service Cowboys 4 Angels and paid thousands, contingent on Combs' satisfaction with their performance. Count 4: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud or Coercion – Not Guilty Maximum sentence: Life Advertisement A second trafficking charge involved another ex-girlfriend, known as 'Jane.' Prosecutors said Combs lured her with promises of luxury and then coerced her into sex acts by controlling her financially. Jane said she felt obligated to comply, but the jury again found Combs not guilty. Count 5: Transport for Purposes of Prostitution – Guilty Maximum sentence: 10 years Combs was convicted of transporting 'Jane' and male escorts across state lines between 2021 and 2024 for participation in filmed sex parties. Why was he acquitted of racketeering, the most serious offence? Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy due to the prosecution's inability to prove that he ran a coordinated criminal enterprise as defined under the RICO Act. Although prosecutors alleged that Combs led a network of employees and associates who helped facilitate crimes such as sex trafficking, bribery, forced labour, and obstruction of justice, the jury ultimately found that the evidence didn't meet the legal threshold. To convict under RICO, the government needed to show that Combs committed at least two related crimes as part of a structured, long-term conspiracy involving at least one other person. The prosecution argued that 'freak-offs' – sex parties involving escorts and allegedly coerced participants – were organised by Combs' inner circle. They also pointed to items found in his home, such as drugs and large quantities of baby oil, as supporting evidence. However, key testimony undermined the conspiracy claim. Cassie Ventura, the prosecution's star witness, said she didn't believe Combs' employees were present at the events in question. Without direct evidence that others knowingly took part in the alleged enterprise, the jury was left with doubt. Cassie Ventura and Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Combs' defence capitalised on this, arguing that no witnesses testified to participating in or even being aware of any organised criminal activity. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, dismissed the charge as built on assumption rather than hard proof. Legal experts noted that racketeering charges are notoriously difficult to prove, often requiring clearer evidence of shared intent and coordination than what was presented in this case. As a result, the jury found Combs not guilty on Count 1. So how much prison time is Diddy facing? Both guilty charges have maximum sentences of 10 years – meaning Combs faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. It is up to the judge whether sentences will run concurrently or consecutively. Prosecuter Maurene Comey said that the US government would seek the maximum sentence of 20 years. A court sketch of US Attorney Maurene Comey. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo After the convictions were announced today, defence lawyers requested that Diddy be released on bail, suggesting a $1 million bond. Before Combs is sentenced, prosecutors and defense lawyers will file written arguments advocating for the sentence they believe Combs deserves. What happens next? A US District judge will determine Combs' full sentence at a later date, which has not yet been confirmed. After sentencing, Combs is expected to appeal. His legal team will have to convince the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, which can take years. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Escort Booked By Diddy Reveals How ‘The Tone' Allegedly Changed During His Last ‘Freak Offs' with Cassie (Exclusive)
A former escort hired for Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged "freak offs" exclusively tells PEOPLE that his final experiences with Combs and Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura were "darker" than their initial encounters Shawn Dearing claims that Ventura was "playing her role," and "it was evil" Dearing's photo and past alias were revealed during Combs' sex trafficking trialA former escort allegedly hired by Sean 'Diddy' Combs for "more than a dozen" of the music mogul's 'freak offs' with Cassandra 'Cassie' Ventura says "the tone" of the sex parties changed over time. 'I just would say overall, the tone was a little darker towards the last times I'd seen them," Shawn Dearing claims in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. 'I got to see the dark side of things," the model, 37, adds. Ventura's attitude during those final 'freak offs' was, 'I'm here, I have to perform. Let's do this," Dearing alleges. "It was more of a 'doing this to please him' type of spirit overall," he notes. "I can tell when the energy was different." Ventura, 38, "was playing her role," Dearing claims. "It was evil ... and she was under that." Dearing continues, "In my opinion, in that situation, she didn't know if this was a beast she could control or not anymore. So she was along for the ride, because she had to, because who knows? Who knows where this beast is going, and there's no way to tame it.' Ventura broke down in tears while testifying about the "freak offs" during Combs' sex trafficking trial on Friday, May 16. The 'Me & U' singer claimed that Combs coerced her into participating in what federal prosecutors have described as 'elaborate and produced sex performances' through physical violence and threats of blackmail. 'I had to do 'freak offs',' she said on the stand, after telling the court on Wednesday, May 14, that she did not want to do them. Dearing says Combs first hired him in late 2014 or early 2015 through the website Cowboys4Angels and that he did not know the identity of the client beforehand. He claims he was booked for "more than a dozen" sessions with Combs and Ventura, which typically took place at either a bungalow at The Beverly Hills Hotel or a condo off Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles that he believes belonged to Ventura. After leaving escorting behind in 2017 and moving back to his home state of Hawaii, Dearing says Combs tried to hire him again. He passed. 'I just kind of had to do a lot of personal soul searching, in a sense,' he explains. 'I stepped away from that, realizing it was darker. Because honestly, I do care about these ladies. So I had to step away." Dearing adds, 'I never thought that [escorting] was part of my life plan." Though he is "on a different path these days," Dearing says he is unfazed by others' opinions of him. "The truth is, I don't care what anyone says about me," he shares. "If people would want to think negative thoughts about me, that's on them.' Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Dearing says he has only come forward now to lend 'some credence' to Ventura's story, after prosecutors revealed his photo and alias in court. Combs' trial is currently is now entering its fifth week. He faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A lawyer for Combs did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. 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
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I was repulsed': Diddy ex-girlfriend recounts sex marathons with strangers
LOWER MANHATTAN — Days-long, drug-fueled sex sessions with strangers, organized and recorded by her boyfriend, hip hop and fashion mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, is what an anonymous witness claimed on the witness stand on Friday. It was the latest development in the racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution trial against the entertainment impresario. More Crime News It took place in a courtroom on the 15th floor of the federal courthouse on Pearl Street. The witness, who is officially identified only as 'Jane Doe,' or just 'Jane,' insisted on anonymity. She had been Combs's girlfriend from 2021 until 2024. She broke down crying on the stand multiple times during her soft-voiced, low-volume testimony. She described what she called 'hotel nights' — marathon sex sessions with men whom Combs mostly found on the escort website Cowboys4Angels or on pornography sites, she said. Jane testified that the sessions were at least once a week, and usually longer than just one night. 'What was the longest hotel night you remember?' the prosecutor asked in testimony. 'New Year's 2022,' Jane replied. She elaborated that it lasted 'Three-and-a-half days.' 'Did you sleep?' asked the prosecutor. 'Not 'til the end,' Jane said. When asked by the prosecutor how she was able to have such stamina in having sex with other men while Combs watched, commented, stimulated himself, and sometimes filmed, Jane said it was drug-fueled. 'Ecstasy, Molly, cocaine,' she said, '2C, weed,' she continued, referring to a psychedelic drug powder, and cocaine. It was all supplied by Combs, Jane testified, adding, 'I just felt like I had to take them. If I didn't, it would feel too real.' She also testified that on two occasions she did 'hotel nights' without using illicit drugs. On one of these occasions, three different men were involved, as Combs watched, she said. 'I hated it so much,' she testified. 'I was just disgusted, repulsed. So mad at myself,' she said. The testimony is part of prosecutors' strategy to show that 'Jane,' the third former girlfriend of Diddy's to testify about his pattern of having them have sex with unknown men while he watched, is part of a pattern of criminal exploitation. That's was pointed out by Heather Cucolo, a professor at New York Law School who's a specialist in mental health and psychological issues and the law. 'The prosecution has to make sure that the jury understands that they have to listen to this whole picture,' Cucolo said in an interview. She said that in order for the prosecution to prove its case of racketeering, sex trafficking and prostitution, it has to show that 'the abuse, the control, and the coercion, and the drug-fueled marathon were part of this overarching criminal enterprise.' 'Jane' takes the witness stand again on Monday, when she's scheduled to begin to be questioned by the defense. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former Escort Hired for Diddy's Alleged 'Freak Offs' Breaks His Silence to Share Emotional Message for Cassie (Exclusive)
A former male escort hired for Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged 'Freak Offs' with Casandra "Cassie" Ventura is speaking out for the first time in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE Shawn Dearing's photo and prior alias were disclosed during Combs' sex crimes trial The model fought back tears, discussing his interactions with Ventura, praising her as 'a badass lady'A former male escort hired to perform at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' 'Freak Off' parties has broken his silence after prosecutors showed his photo during the music mogul's federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he shared an emotional message for Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura. Shawn Dearing was one of more than 10 men Combs, 55, allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend to have sex with during their nearly 11-year relationship, according to prosecutors. The escorts' identities were revealed in court testimony and evidence submitted by the government. 'She was so uplifting — the kindest and most respectful person," Dearing, 37, says of Ventura, 38. 'She was genuine throughout the whole experience." Dearing tells PEOPLE that he is only speaking out now to give "some credence" to Ventura's story and because his photo and alias were already made public during Combs' trial. 'I never wanted to open my mouth,' he says. 'I don't seek attention. I don't want to go out there and make it seem like I'm trying to get my name known off of this experience." When discussing Ventura, he says, 'You got me tearing up! I want what's best for her, honestly, because she … she's a badass lady, man. She's awesome. So I want her respect first and foremost.' Ventura testified on Wednesday, May 14, that she knew Dearing as 'Skyler' and met him through the website Cowboys4Angels. She said he was one of many escorts Combs hired via the site for his 'Freak Offs,' what federal prosecutors have called 'elaborate and produced sex performances' that the Bad Boy Records founder allegedly orchestrated and coerced Ventura and others into joining. Dearing tells PEOPLE that the identities of Ventura and Combs were not revealed to him before he met them for the first time around late 2014 or early 2015. He claimed Cowboy4Angels founder Garren James told him only that the clients were 'A-List.' Dearing says he was hired for 'more than a dozen' sessions, which typically took place at either a bungalow at The Beverly Hills Hotel or a condo off of Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, which he believes belonged to Ventura. 'It was only me, him, and her," Dearing says, referring to himself, Combs, and Ventura. "He never touched me. We did everything under his direction." While Dearing says he did not witness Combs physically abuse Ventura, the model tells PEOPLE that he did 'notice forms' of what he believed was 'psychological' abuse. Ventura's 'kindness' was 'being abused in [an] improper manner,' Dearing claims. 'She was there under his control, and there was that knowing and understanding that if she didn't do what he said — I don't know what the consequences could have been, but I could tell there was that constant energy of knowing that we must perform for him or else," he felt. Ventura broke down in tears when asked about the 'Freak Offs' during the fifth day of testimony on Friday, May 16, claiming that Combs pressured her to participate in his sex parties with physical violence and threats of blackmail. 'I had to do 'Freak Offs',' she said during redirect, after giving testimony on Wednesday, May 14, that she did not want to do 'Freak Offs.' Dearing claims, "There were times where she wouldn't speak if he wasn't in the room, because she knew she couldn't.' He adds, 'It was a power complex thing with him.' He remembers one 'Freak Off' when he says Ventura allegedly became like 'a drone' after Combs 'left the room for a moment.' 'She just sits there staring at the ground, and I ask her a question. She's like, 'No, no, no. Not until he gets back.' So it's like, 'Oh, okay,' ' Dearing claims. When the 'Freak Offs' would turn 'dark,' Ventura's demeanor would change, Dearing says. 'You could see that it was kind of like the spirit was leaving the body,' he adds. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. A self-described 'man of faith,' Dearing is no longer an escort and is 'on a different path these days.' After some 'soul searching,' he left L.A. in 2017 and returned to Hawaii, where he was born and raised. The move was 'more of a back to my roots situation [rather] than getting out of LA type of deal,' he explains. Combs' trial is in its third week. He was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges. 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
