Latest news with #Hotline.RAINN.org
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged sexual abuse exposed in emotional testimony
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged sexual abuse exposed in emotional testimony This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged pattern of sexual and physical abuse is coming into focus as more of the hip-hop mogul's former associates speak out during his criminal trial. After harrowing testimony from Combs' ex-assistant, a woman going by the pseudonym "Mia," prosecutors returned to court on May 30 to continue building their case against the Grammy-winning rapper in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case. During her May 29 testimony, Mia was emotional, slow and considered in her responses. Her voice often cracked as she teared up while alleging Combs attacked her and his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine multiple times. "He's thrown things at me. He's thrown me against the wall. He's thrown me into a pool," she said. Mia's testimony followed similar allegations from Deonte Nash, a friend and stylist of Ventura Fine, who claimed Combs tried to control all aspects of Cassie's life during their decadelong relationship. 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. 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 later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all five counts against him. 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 allege 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. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff 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.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged violence recalled as more witnesses testify
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged violence recalled as more witnesses testify This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged streak of violent behavior is coming to light as additional witnesses testify in the hip-hop mogul's criminal trial. Attorneys for the Grammy-winning rapper, prosecutors and jurors returned to Manhattan court on May 27 in the fourth week of proceedings in the federal sex-crimes case. This comes after a slew of witnesses, including Cassie Ventura Fine's mother Regina Ventura, Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and rapper Kid Cudi, appeared in court last week to share harrowing accounts of Combs' alleged abuse. Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, dated Ventura Fine briefly in 2011. While taking the stand on May 22, he claimed Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom — and that his vehicle blew up in another incident — after Combs found out he was seeing his estranged girlfriend. 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. 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. 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 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.
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged Cassie abuse exposed after her mother testifies
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged Cassie abuse exposed after her mother testifies This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged abuse of former girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine continues to be exposed in court as additional witnesses testify on the pair's volatile relationship. The embattled hip-hop mogul's sweeping federal sex-crimes trial resumed in Manhattan on May 21 following emotional testimony from Ventura Fine's mother, Regina Ventura, and Combs' former assistant David James, who worked for Combs from 2007-2009. Ventura told the court she was "physically sick" over the rapper's alleged abuse and said she was once pressured to send him $20,000 after he raged at her daughter. Meanwhile, James recounted an intense incident during which he reportedly came face-to-face with Combs' longtime music rival, Marion "Suge" Knight, at a Los Angeles restaurant. Scott Mescudi, better known as rapper Kid Cudi, is expected to take the stand this week. Combs allegedly threatened the musician after he and Ventura Fine dated briefly over a decade ago. Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. 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 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.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged cycle of abuse targeted as more witnesses speak
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged cycle of abuse targeted as more witnesses speak This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Prosecutors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex-crimes trial continue to target his alleged cycle of abuse as more witnesses come forward with shocking claims. Following bombshell testimony from Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and Cassie Ventura Fine's former best friend Kerry Morgan, jurors reconvened in Manhattan court on May 20 to hear more accounts from those in Combs' orbit. Richard, a former member of Combs' platinum-selling girl group, told the court on May 19 that she saw Combs beat his ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine in 2009 at his Los Angeles home, grabbing her hair and dragging her up a flight of stairs. Meanwhile, Morgan testified that Combs once attacked her in Cassie's California home, choking Morgan and hitting her in the head with a wooden hanger. Combs' former personal assistant David James also took the stand to reflect on his employment with Combs, including candid conversations with Ventura Fine on her relationship with the Grammy-winning rapper. Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges 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 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.
