Latest news with #Harlem-born
Refinery29
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
With Denzel Washington's Co-Sign, Ilfenesh Hadera Became Highest 2 Lowest's Secret Weapon
Spike Lee trusts her. Denzel Washington knows what she can do. Now is time for the rest of Hollywood to wake up to the powerhouse that is Ilfenesh Hadera. 'Put me in, coach,' The Harlem-born actor said to Refinery29 in a recent Zoom interview. In Spike Lee's latest joint, Highest 2 Lowest, Hadera stars opposite Washington as Pam King. The neo-noir thriller, which is an adaptation of Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's High and Low, follows David King (Washington), a successful music executive who gets extorted by an up-and-coming rapper (A$AP Rocky). David faces the ultimate moral dilemma as he's forced to make a decision that could either cost him his family and legacy or his empire. Though the choice is ultimately David's, his wife Pam becomes a critical sounding board. She's the film's 'North Star,' Hadera said. Her voice also offers the thesis for the underlying message in the film: when did the art we make become less important than fame and riches that come with it? Like Washington, Hadera has become a regular in Lee's work. She first appeared in Da Brick, Oldboy and Chi-Raq and then landed a more significant role in the Netflix adaptation of She's Gotta Have It. She said his sets foster a freedom to be creative and fly or fail without fear. 'On a Spike joint, he keeps the same loyal, capable people around project after project. So despite the newness of it all on a movie set, everybody feels really relaxed and kind of at home,' she said. 'You don't always get that and you have to feel free as an artist to play and maybe not get it right.' And though the role of Pam King is a dream the Harlem-born actor manifested, she's nowhere new to this. With an acting career that spans 15 years, she's worked her way up the call sheet through dozens of projects, including Billions, Master of None and Chicago Fire. She's currently starring in Godfather of Harlem, which is heading into its fifth and final season, opposite Forest Whitaker. *Minor spoilers ahead.* Refinery29: There wasn't a role for you in the script initially. How did your role as Pam King come about? Ilfenesh Hadera: I saw that Spike had this collaboration coming up with Denzel on this Kurosawa film. And I was like this is incredible first for Spike as a friend and supporter of his, I know how much he loves Kurosawa's work. I saw that announcement and I was so stoked for him. And then, of course, I'm like is there a role for me in this? Spike actually asked what my upcoming schedule looked like so I was like, this might be a good sign. As I'm watching the original film, I'm thinking there aren't many female roles in this movie. I reached out to my agent, and asked if he read the script. And he very, like, bluntly, said, 'There's no role for you in this.' But I still held out hope, because Spike had asked about my availability. And then the calls from Kim Coleman, Spike's longtime casting director, started coming in, and the rest is history. It was such an emotional roller coaster. It's like a testament to the idea that closed mouths don't get fed, right? IH: Truly. I mean, I don't like to ask for much. Spike has become such a dear friend of mine, and he's kept me in work for so many years. He knows my artistic abilities. So, if he doesn't think of me for a part, I don't want to come to him who's given me so much already with hands out. I'd much rather him come to me and say, 'Hey, I've got this idea.' Maybe it's a smaller role, maybe it's the role of Pam King, which is a more significant role. But, you know, I always like to let him initiate conversations about casting. ' Spike trusts me. He's not gonna put my name in the mix if he's not sure that I can bring it... [but] it feels nice to know that I got the Denzel Washington co-sign and it wasn't all Spike's pull. Ilfenesh Hadera ' IH: At this point, I'm like, wow, Spike trusts me. He's not gonna put my name in the mix if he's not sure that I can bring it. We've worked together for many years and are close, but he said to me going into the chemistry read with Denzel, 'This is going to be Denzel's choice. He brought me this project, he's a producer on it, he's the star of the show, so this decision will really be his in the end.' So it feels nice to know that I got the Denzel Washington co-sign and it wasn't all Spike's pull. I can't even imagine the feeling as an actor. Of course, Denzel has been in so many Spike Lee joints. So to have not only that trust from him, but also that trust from Spike. He's tapping you in similar ways that he's tapped Denzel throughout his career. IH: It feels great and validating, but also, at this point in my career, I'm like give me a chance, man. Put me in, coach. I know what I can do. You just hope that the people around you trust you and will let you do what you know you can. It's not every day that people have faith in your abilities and let you show them and rise to the occasion. What role do you think Pam has when it comes to her husband's decision? IH: I think she gives him the freedom to figure it out. People have been calling her the moral compass. I think she guides him gently towards what they both know is the right thing to do. She's not naive, despite knowing what the choice to make is to the implications of giving up basically all they own. What does this mean for their life, for their lifestyle, for what they've worked so hard to build? But I think she lets him come to the right conclusion on his own while guiding him with a gentle hand. I love how this film emphasizes the value of Black art over fame and riches. But a lot of times art does get compromised for business. I'm curious if this film challenged or influenced how you think about and approach art going forward? IH: If you're lucky, you get both. And that is such a very small percentage of artists who get the pleasure of doing work that they're passionate about and being able to live a nice lifestyle. You hope people don't go into this with the goal of achieving fame or becoming a multimillionaire. Those should not be the reasons you follow the path of an artist but you shouldn't be demonized for wanting to be recognized by people who consume and love your art and wanting to live a nice lifestyle. When I think about projects that are presented to me or jobs that I choose to do, I'm at a place where I do have some financial freedom. I'm really grateful for not being dictated by the dollar amount attached to the project. I have taken jobs in the past that don't strike a creative nerve but, financially, have been necessary for me at the time, and that's not where you want to be. If you can create a foundation so you can stop doing work because of the paycheck, you're in a really great spot. But I'm not turning my nose up at anyone who chooses jobs for safety. We've all got to live. And it's harder and harder right now in this industry. So it becomes more and more challenging to say no to a gig. Are there any artistically underrated or projects that you've been a part of that you feel like didn't get the attention that they deserve? IH: I know people are starting to get hip to Godfather of Harlem. When Epix greenlit us, it was a pretty little known network. Now Epix is MGM, MGM plus. But I think, at the time, if that show had been on another streamer with more subscribers, it would have exploded. But it has to be this perfect storm, right? I think we're starting to get more love, but I wish it had been that way from the beginning. But then you look at a show like The Wire, when that was on in real time, some people were watching it. But now we consider [The Wire] one of the best television shows of all time. So maybe we just need to take a little time step away from it and revisit in a few years, when people have finally caught up to us.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Yahoo
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs makes another bid at bond ahead of sentencing
NEW YORK — Sean 'Diddy' Combs is making yet another bid at bail as the Harlem-born mogul awaits sentencing his Oct. 3 sentencing for two prostitution-related charges. Lawyers for the 55-year-old convicted Bad Boy Records founder, who was recently denied presentencing bail, argue that he should be released on $50 million bond and reside at his Miami home ahead of his Oct. 3 sentencing in New York, for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, according to the filing viewed by the Daily News. Each offense carries a sentence of up to 10 years, for a total of 20 years behind bars, though Diddy is unlikely to serve anywhere near that. They state that no one in previous cases similar to Combs' has been prosecuted nor imprisoned by the Mann Act, and that those convicted in similar cases 'were released pending sentencing.' Combs has been in custody at Brooklyn MDC since his arrest in September — after which he was continually denied bail — which his attorneys also insist 'justif[ies] release.' 'There has literally never been a case like this one, where a person and his girlfriend arranged for adult men to have consensual sexual relations with the adult long-term girlfriend as part of a demonstrated 'swingers' lifestyle and has been prosecuted and incarcerated under the Mann Act,' said Combs' legal team, who highlighted the 'racism and misogyny' central to the statute's 115-year-old initiation, when it was known as the White-Slave Traffic Act. Combs' lawyers noted that, like most Mann Act defendants, he did not profit financially from engaging in transportation for prostitution. 'In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail or 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 says. They added that Diddy remains behind bars while all other parties involved — including the sex workers, their agency, and state witnesses 'Jane' and Cassie Ventura 'walk free, as they should.' They said there's a history of 'limited and restrained' punishments for non-commercial Mann Act offenses and that even more serious violations than Combs' incurred 'typically less punitive' punishment than what he's already served. 'The cases which involve defendants similarly situated to Mr. Combs have been released on bond pending sentencing,' per his lawyers. In addition to dubbing a nearly 11-month detention an 'exceptional circumstance,' Combs' lawyers argue his 'safety is constantly at risk' at the notorious MDC, where conditions have been decried by another judge as 'unacceptable' and 'dreadful.' Diddy's lawyers insist he's not a flight risk and pushed back against concerns he poses a danger to anyone. They point to a domestic violence program he enrolled in prior to his arrest: 'If released on conditions, Sean Combs will not be violent to anyone. … He will not squander his second chance at life.' Combs was acquitted earlier this month on the more serious charges of federal sex trafficking and racketeering-related offenses, for which he could have faced life in prison. ________
News18
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Rapper Azealia Banks Claims Conor McGregor Sent Her Nude Pics, Made Threats
New York rapper Banks accused ex-MMA fighter Conor McGregor of sending unsolicited nude photos and threats. Controversial New York rapper Azealia Banks has accused former UFC champion Conor McGregor of sending her explicit images without her permission and threatening her not to disclose the incident. The 34-year-old Harlem-born artist made the claims public on Monday, July 14, 2025, via her X account (formerly Twitter). She shared screenshots of some unsettling messages she says came from McGregor. In a quoted post, Banks expressed her shock and fury, saying, 'How you gonna send a b*h some crooked d**k pics then threaten her not to tell. N*gga do you know who the f**k I am? This is HARAM (sic)." She didn't stop there, also targeting McGregor's looks, alleged ambitions, and even his skincare routine. 'Like how are you really going to sexually harass me with the potato farmer d**k then threaten me not to tell???? Honey…… ain't u trying to be the president of Ireland? (sic)" she wrote, followed by, 'Use some f***g sunscreen damn (sic)." Among the alleged texts was a threatening line: 'Don't be a rat, because all rats end up caught (sic)." Banks claims McGregor deleted the explicit images and unfollowed her after her initial posts went viral. McGregor, who has been out of the UFC for over four years, remained silent as the story broke. Later on Monday, his 37th birthday, he made a single public post: 'Happy birthday to me!" His response drew curiosity, with followers unsure whether it was sarcastic or simply birthday-centred. Take a look here: This controversy follows a turbulent legal period for McGregor. In early 2025, he was ordered to pay nearly €200,000 in damages to a woman in Ireland who accused him of rape. He also faces ongoing sexual assault allegations in the U.S. from an incident reported at Miami's Kaseya Center. As of now, Banks has not stated whether she will pursue legal action. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
International Business Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Sean Diddy Combs Verdict: Music Mogul Acquitted on Most Serious Charges Except One in Sensational NYC Trial as He Still Faces Years in Jail
Hip-hop icon Sean Combs dropped to the floor on his hands and knees in a dramatic reaction after being shockingly acquitted on Wednesday of the most serious federal charges against him—racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking—for allegedly forcing former partners to live out his degrading sexual fantasies for years. The music mogul, better known by his stage name Diddy, was instead found guilty on lesser prostitution-related charges. Diddy somehow escaped a harsher life sentence following a two-month-long trial that exposed disturbing details about his personal life, including his reported preference for "freak-offs," during which he would regularly watch his lovers engage in intense, drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts. Sound of Victory Diddy had been facing life behind bars if found guilty on the top charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. However, the jury ultimately found Combs guilty only on prostitution charges related to shipping escorts across state lines — a conviction that could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The verdict came after 13 hours of deliberation over three days, culminating in a tense moment in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Wednesday morning. As the verdict was announced, Combs repeatedly nodded, pumped his fist in relief when he was acquitted of the sex trafficking charge, and softly said "thank you" upon being cleared of the most severe allegation. He then pressed his hands together in a prayer-like gesture and raised them toward the jury in a sign of gratitude. In the end, the jury convicted Combs on two counts under the Mann Act, which involve prostitution-related crimes, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars. After the verdict, Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested that the judge allow his client to be released from jail and placed under home confinement, noting that he had been cleared of the most serious allegations. "My proposal would be that he be released today, that he be permitted to live at his home in Florida," Agnifilo said. "It would be a bond of whatever size your honor sees fit, maybe $1 million?" Assistant District Attorney Maurene Comey objected to the motion, saying that despite the acquittal on the most severe charges, Combs was still found guilty of serious crimes and remained a potential threat. "There is serious, serious relevant conduct here that will merit a lengthy period of incarceration," she said. Thanking His Luck As the judge left the courtroom, Combs dropped to his hands and knees in a moment of prayer. At the same time, his family and supporters broke into loud cheers, while several members of his legal team hugged each other. Combs then rose to his feet, blew a kiss in their direction, and left through a side door. The verdict marks another dramatic chapter in the downfall of the Harlem-born mogul, who transformed his Bad Boy Records label into a nearly $1 billion empire, became a household name in the music industry, and threw star-studded "white parties" in lavish locations like Beverly Hills and the Hamptons. "He thought that his fame, wealth, and power put him above the law — but over the course of this trial, his crimes have been exposed," Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik told jurors in closing statements. Prosecutors called 34 witnesses as they portrayed Combs as the mastermind behind a network responsible for numerous crimes spanning two decades — including allegedly setting fire to Kid Cudi's Porsche and breaking into his home in a jealous outburst over the rapper's connection to Combs' longtime on-and-off partner, Cassie Ventura. Jurors were repeatedly shown an infamous surveillance video from 2016, capturing Combs shoving, kicking, and dragging Ventura through a Los Angeles hotel hallway. They also heard testimony that Combs tried to pay off security personnel with $100,000 in an unsuccessful attempt to suppress the footage. Ventura's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, praised the conviction. "We're pleased that he's finally been held responsible for two federal crimes. He still faces substantial jail time," Wigdor told reporters outside the courthouse. Combs, who has been held at a Brooklyn detention center since his arrest at a Midtown hotel in September 2024, did not testify during the sensational trial, which attracted a large number of spectators, including his mother, children, and loyal supporters. Throughout the proceedings, the "All About the Benjamins" artist remained seated at the defense table, wearing a rotating selection of muted sweaters layered over crisp white dress shirts. His noticeably graying hair marked a stark contrast to the polished, high-fashion image he once projected at red carpet events and star-studded parties.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cassie Ventura's attorney issues statement after 'Diddy' verdict
Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura has issued a statement after a Manhattan jury found Sean 'Diddy' Combs not guilty of sex trafficking Wednesday. The 38-year-old 'Me & U' singer — who was heavily pregnant when she testified for four days about her ex-boyfriend's abuse and the drug-fueled 'freak-offs' to which she was subjected — spoke out through her attorney Douglas Wigdor. 'This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,' Wigdor said in a statement to the New York Daily News. 'Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.' Wigdor reiterated the legal team's faith in Ventura, praising her 'exemplary courage throughout this trial.' 'She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion,' he continued. 'This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.' In November 2023, Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing the Bad Boy Records founder, 55, of rape, sex trafficking and abuse during their on-and-off relationship, which lasted from 2007 until 2018. They settled for $20 million the following day, with dozens of similar lawsuits filed since. The Harlem-born mogul's physical abuse of Ventura was confirmed in May 2024, when CNN published harrowing security footage of Combs beating her in a hotel hallway in early 2016. Combs subsequently admitted to and apologized for the attack, unedited video of which was released at his trial. Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each of which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. He faced life behind bars if convicted on the more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. _____
