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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billy Bush says Diddy's alleged balcony incident echoes 'sick' behavior in hit TV show
Jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial heard testimony this week about Cassie Ventura's friend allegedly being dangled off a balcony at the hands of the rapper. The explosive testimony echoed similarities between Diddy and one of television's greatest hits, "The Sopranos," according to Billy Bush. The "Hot Mics with Billy Bush" podcast host exclusively told Fox News Digital that Diddy's violent history may have been on display, but that doesn't necessarily equate to a guilty verdict. Diddy's Defense Attorney Challenges Government's Narrative In High-stakes Federal Trial Cassie Ventura's friend, Bryana "Bana" Bongolan, testified this week that Diddy held her over the edge of a 17-story balcony in 2016. While on the stand Wednesday, Bongolan confirmed she spoke about the incident during various government meetings. Bongolan said Diddy was yelling at her loudly, "You know what the f--- you did." She testified that to this day she doesn't know what the rapper was referring to. Read On The Fox News App "Her allegations are that he hung her over a balcony, which is like, what are you watching too much 'Sopranos' here?" Bush said. "Like, this is such mafia sick s--t. It's, I can't believe it, but it reminds me of like when Michael Jackson had "Blanket" over the balcony in some Rome or Paris hotel (sic). And then Suge Knight hung Vanilla Ice over the balcony." In a 1999 episode of "Behind the Music," Vanilla Ice clarified that the balcony allegations against Suge Knight were unfounded. "He didn't hang me off from any balcony," the rapper said. "The story's been kind of blown out of proportion, and I want to clarify that Suge and I have no bad feelings towards each other." 50 Cent Warns Trump About Diddy After President Is Asked If He'd Consider Pardon "It's the ultimate, like, it's the ultimate gangster move," Bush added of Bongolan's allegations against Diddy. "Who makes that up? I mean, he clearly did, and it's sick. So I think it was helpful as far as painting him as extremely violent." Bush continued, "I still don't know if Diddy is a sealed, done deal. He's not arguing that he's a domestic violence perpetrator and general bad dude." Allegations about the incident were detailed in a November 2024 lawsuit Bongolan filed against Diddy where she requested $10 million in damages. Bongolan filed the lawsuit to "seek justice for what happened to me," she told the court. She said her lawyer wrote the complaint and that the words were not the same as what she had testified to. Her recollection of the events that night were marred, according to Diddy's lawyers. Nicole Westmoreland, a Diddy defense attorney, asked Bongolan several questions about Cassie's 29th birthday. Bongolan replied, "I don't remember" to most of the questions, which included if she was on drugs. She later told Westmoreland that she couldn't remember telling the government if the incident happened at a party or if they were just hanging out. Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News "Drug use is not great for memory, and we're dealing with a marginalized character here," Bush said. "At the end of the day, I don't think the drug use thing is a big shocker to anyone on the jury … and you know, Diddy definitely partied with the drugs." WATCH: BILLY BUSH LIKENS DIDDY ALLEGATIONS TO MAFIA TACTICS He added, "I don't think that is going to come into account at all. It's just the actions of what happened. They don't excuse his actions. And I don't think that they discount her claims either. I really don't." In a federal indictment unsealed on Sept. 17, Diddy was charged with racketeering conspiracy (RICO); sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison. Click Here To Get The Entertainment Newsletter He has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, in which witnesses have testified to alleged rape, sexual assault, severe physical abuse, forced labor and drug trafficking. The trial is expected to wrap by July 4. During the opening statements of Diddy's trial, defense attorney Teny Geragos asked the jury to consider the federal charges, not the choices of an at-times violent man. "Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case," Geragos told the court. "This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money. This case is about voluntary adult choices made by capable adults and consensual relationships. This case is about those real-life relationships, and the government is trying to turn those relationships into a racketeering case, a prostitution case and a sex trafficking case. It will not work." Geragos told the jury that they would hear the "basics" through the lens of various witnesses and evidence. Most importantly, though, jurors would get the opportunity to "finally" hear the facts about the case. "I say that because this case is not about what you've heard on the news, read in the news or have seen on social media for the past year and a half," Geragos said. "This case is not about what civil attorneys looking for a payday are trying to make my client out to be. There has been a tremendous amount of noise around this case for the past year, and it is time to cancel that noise and hear and see the evidence that will be presented in this courtroom." She noted that Diddy "has a bad temper" and at times gets "so angry or so jealous that he is out of control," but she emphasized that the "Victory" rapper was not charged with "being mean." "He is not charged with being a jerk. He's charged with running a racketeering enterprise," Geragos told the jury. "And though there was violence that you are going to hear about, you already have, that violence is not part of any RICO. That violence is not connected to sex trafficking and that violence is not prostitution."Original article source: Billy Bush says Diddy's alleged balcony incident echoes 'sick' behavior in hit TV show
South China Morning Post
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is Justin Baldoni's ‘pit bull' lawyer, Bryan Freedman? The It Ends with Us actor's attorney criticised Ryan Reynolds' joke about Blake Lively at SNL50 and hasn't ruled out deposing Taylor Swift
Justin Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman did not approve of the joke Ryan Reynolds made in reference to his wife Blake Lively on SNL50: The Anniversary Special, according to People magazine. Justin Baldoni (right) with businessman Steve Sarowitz, who helped fund It Ends With Us. Photo: @wayfarertheaters/Instagram Amid the ongoing It Ends with Us legal battle, the Deadpool & Wolverine actor, 48, seemingly referenced the lawsuits when he was asked 'how's it going' by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, to which he responded with mock innocence: 'Great, why? What have you heard?' Advertisement Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily were all smiles during the press tour for It Ends With Us, but things quickly went south for the film. Photo: Invision/AP During an episode of Hot Mics with Billy Bush earlier this month, Freedman criticised the couple's 'latest move'. 'I'm unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation,' said Freedman. 'I can't think of anyone who's done anything like that. It surprised me.' In December, Lively sued Baldoni, his PR team and Wayfarer Studios alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, which he denies, per People magazine. The following month, Baldoni responded with a lawsuit of his own suing Lively, Reynolds, their publicist and The New York Times over defamation and extortion. Here's what we know about Justin Baldoni's lawyer. Where does Bryan Freedman live? Bryan Freedman with his friend Ryan Silver. Photo: @coachryansilver/Instagram Freedman is based in Los Angeles, according to the BBC. He and his wife Denise had been living at a US$5.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades 'since the early 2000s', according to a profile in The Hollywood Reporter, until it burned down during the Los Angeles wildfires in January. Where did Bryan Freedman study?
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Justin Baldoni's lawyer slams Ryan Reynolds ‘unaware of anybody whose wife was sexually harassed and has made jokes'
Justin Baldoni's attorney has expressed surprise over Ryan Reynolds' joke regarding Baldoni's ongoing lawsuit with actress Blake Lively. During SNL50: The Anniversary Special, Reynolds made a remark that was widely interpreted as referencing the legal dispute. When asked, "How's it going?" the actor responded, "Great, why? What have you heard?" The comment has drawn criticism, particularly given the serious nature of the legal claims involving Lively and Baldoni. Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's attorney, addressed the issue on Hot Mics with Billy Bush, questioning the appropriateness of Reynolds' remark. "I'm unaware of anybody whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation. It surprised me," Freedman stated. The lawsuit, filed by Lively, alleges that the It Ends with Us actor and director engaged in behavior that caused her significant emotional distress. The actress, 37, has spoken publicly about the legal battle, telling The New York Times, "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted." Baldoni, 41, has denied the allegations. His attorney dismissed the claims as "categorically false" and "intentionally salacious," asserting they were meant to damage his reputation. Speaking to Variety, Freedman stated, "These claims are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally designed to rehash a narrative in the media."
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Baldoni's lawyer takes a shot at Ryan Reynold's 'SNL' joke while fighting to keep his client's phone records out of court
In an "SNL" appearance, Ryan Reynolds nodded to the drama surrounding him and Blake Lively. Baldoni's attorney, speaking on a podcast, took a shot at Reynolds over the apparent reference. Lively sued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment, and he countersued her and Reynolds. An attorney for "It Ends With Us" director and star Justin Baldoni ridiculed Ryan Reynolds over his veiled reference on "Saturday Night Live" to his and his wife Blake Lively's ongoing legal drama. Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, took the shot at Reynolds during a Monday appearance on Billy Bush's "Hot Mics" show. "I'm unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation," Freedman told Bush, adding, "I can't think of anyone who's done anything like that, and so it surprised me." Freedman was reacting to the joke Reynolds made during "SNL's" star-studded 50th anniversary show on Sunday. During a question-and-answer bit hosted by "SNL" veterans Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the "Deadpool" star, who was seated in the audience next to Lively, stood up to ask a question as a part of the skit. "Ryan Reynolds! How's it going?" Fey said from the stage to which Reynolds replied, "Great, why, what have you heard?" prompting laughter from the audience. Reynolds and Lively — who starred opposite Baldoni in the summer box-office hit — have been embroiled in a contentious legal fight with Baldoni since December. Lively initially sued Baldoni in Manhattan federal court, accusing him of sexual harassment on the "It Ends With Us" set and of engaging in a retaliatory online smear campaign against her. Defendants in Lively's lawsuit include Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, his fellow producers, and his publicists. Baldoni, who has denied the allegations, then countersued Lively and Reynolds in a defamation complaint seeking $400 million in damages. The two cases have since been consolidated into one. Freedman, while speaking on Bush's podcast, called Reynolds' "SNL" joke "the latest move" in the legal feud. Representatives for Reynolds and Lively did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider on Freedman's podcast appearance. Meanwhile, this comes as Baldoni's attorneys are trying to block Lively and Reynolds' lawyers from subpoenas for years worth of phone records from Baldoni and his associates. In a February 14 letter to the judge overseeing the case, attorneys for Baldoni called the subpoenas issued by Lively and Reynold's lawyers to cellular providers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile "flagrantly overbroad." The subpoenas seek "all documents concerning ingoing and ongoing calls or text messages" related to certain numbers "over a period of multiple years, in most cases spanning from December 1, 2022 to the present," the letter says. "It is hard to overstate how broad, invasive, and atypical these Subpoenas truly are. This is civil litigation, not a criminal prosecution, and the Lively Parties are not the FBI," the letter continues. "Yet the Subpoenas seek not only the complete call and text history of each of the targets over a period of several years (no matter the sender, recipient, or subject matter) but also, over the same period, real-time location information and data logs reflecting, among other things, web browsing history." Attorneys for Lively and Reynolds said in a letter to the judge the next day that Baldoni sued the couple for a "preposterous sum" of $400 million for claiming that a "retaliatory campaign existed, yet now appear to fear having third parties turn over the actual evidence that would document the who, what, when, where, and why of that campaign." "The Lively-Reynolds parties have not sought (and do not seek here) anything other than non-content records as permitted by law," the letter says. A spokesperson for Lively told BI on Tuesday, "If they have so many receipts why are they so afraid to produce them." "Now they want to block the very discovery that would expose them. If they didn't do it, they would have nothing to hide," the spokesperson said of Baldoni's team. Attorneys for Baldoni did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider
The Independent
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Justin Baldoni's lawyer slams Ryan Reynolds over SNL joke about Blake Lively lawsuit
Justin Baldoni 's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has reacted to Ryan Reynolds 's joke about his wife Blake Lively's lawsuit with her It Ends With Us co-star on Saturday Night Live. The entertainment lawyer addressed Reynolds and Lively's cameo on the SNL 50 special during Monday's episode of Hot Mics with Bill Bush. Freedman confessed he was shocked to see Reynolds make light of how he and his wife are in the headlines amid their ongoing legal battle with Baldoni. 'I'm unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation,' he told Bill Bush. 'I can't think of anyone who's done anything like that. So it surprised me.' The Independent has contacted representatives for Lively and Reynolds for comment. After walking the red carpet at the event in New York City on Sunday, both Reynolds and Lively were a part of the celebrity audience at SNL 50. During one segment of the special, comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler answered questions from the audience, including one from Reynolds. After he stood up, they asked: 'Ryan Reynolds! How's it going?' to which the Deadpool star replied: 'Great! Why, what have you heard?' Poehler and Fey quickly shook their heads in response and said they'd only heard 'cool' and 'great stuff' about him. Lively, who was sitting next to him, was smiling away when Reynolds first stood up. However, when her husband alluded to their legal problems, she suddenly looked at him in shock in what was clearly a planned comedy bit. The crowd laughed in surprise at the quip and, moments later, Lively was smiling again. Freedman also revealed that Baldoni is currently in Hawaii with his wife, Emily Baldoni, and their two children: Maiya, nine, and Maxwell, seven — but he wouldn't call it a vacation. 'I don't think anybody who has been accused of heinous, arguably what are crimes, is on vacation,' Freedman said. 'I think that he is trying to gather with his family and get some semblance of peace.' Rumors of a feud between Baldoni and Lively on the set of It Ends with Us – based on the Collen Hoover book of the same name — started percolating online last summer, as they appeared to avoid each other during the film's promotional tour. Lively was called out for a 'tone-deaf' approach to the movie, with fans claiming she failed to treat its heavy subject matter with the appropriate solemnity. In December, Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and claimed he created a campaign to 'destroy' her reputation. The lawsuit also alleges that the backlash Lively received was part of a carefully orchestrated effort by Baldoni's PR team, whose lawyers have counter-alleged that Lively's lawsuit is likewise an attempt to 'fix her negative reputation.' The Jane the Virgin alum is suing The New York Times for $250 million, and he is countersuing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million. The lawsuit against the couple alleges that they're attempting to 'destroy' Baldoni's reputation and career. In January, a New York federal judge informed both parties to prepare for a trial in March 2026. After this, Lively and Reynold's attorneys filed a notice stating that they would seek to dismiss Baldoni's counter-lawsuit. Days before the first court hearing on the case, Baldoni's team launched a website containing two legal documents about the dispute with Lively. The documents feature an amendment claiming that the New York Times had access to Lively's lawsuit against him at least 11 days before they published their report. The newspaper said that the filings were 'rife with inaccuracies.' Lively's legal team has since reportedly sent subpoenas to the three major US phone companies AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, requesting Baldoni's phone records, according to US Weekly. Freedman responded to the subpoenas, telling US Weekly that while 'subpoenas are an ordinary part of the litigation,' it's the extent of what Lively's lawyers are seeking that is 'extraordinary.' 'They are asking for every single call, text, data log, and even real-time location information for the past 2.5 years, regardless of the sender, recipient, or subject matter,' he said. 'This massive fishing expedition demonstrates that they are desperately seeking any factual basis for their provably false claims. They will find none.'
