Latest news with #Molotov
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy trial week 3 recap: Ex-assistant alleges rape, mistrial bid fails
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' federal sex trafficking trial wrapped its third week on Friday, following a failed mistrial bid and additional testimony detailing the rapper's alleged abuse, including that of a former assistant who accused him of raping her at his Los Angeles home. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges stemming from allegations that he used his fame — while also relying on fear and violence — to coerce women into having sex with male escorts while subjecting them to ongoing physical and mental abuse. At the center of the federal case is Combs' infamous 'freak-offs,' which allegedly involved degrading acts that were often recorded without consent. Prosecutors claim he covered up his crimes through a well-paid network that resorted to bribery, kidnapping and arson. Here's a recap of what happened during the trial this past week: Capricorn Clark, through tears, testified on Tuesday about alleged instances of kidnappings, blackmail and threats that she that was subjected to during the 14 years she worked on and off for Combs. She specifically recalled how Diddy flew into a rage one night in December 2011, after he learned R&B singer Cassie Ventura, his on-and-off girlfriend at the time, was in a relationship with fellow rapper Kid Cudi. Clark claimed an armed Combs 'kidnapped her' in the dead of night to help him 'kill Cudi,' describing how the rapper ordered her to get dressed despite her protests, then forced her into an Escalade driven by a security guard, who in turn took them to Cudi's home. 'I'd never seen anything like it,' she said of his rage. Clark grew increasingly emotional as she described how the rap mogul busted into Cudi's residence and her subsequent efforts to warn Ventura. When Ventura returned to Combs' Los Angeles mansion the following day, Clark said he immediately began kicking' her with '100% full force, in her legs to begin with.' It was one of several disturbing acts of abuse she witnessed the rapper inflict on Ventura. She said she later called Ventura's mother, telling her Combs had been 'beating the s–t' out of her daughter. She added: 'I can't call the police but you can.' Lance Jimenez, an arson investigator with the L.A. Fire Department, recalled for jurors an investigation into a 2012 explosion that saw Cudi's Porsche burst into flames. He said a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a Molotov cocktail, fashioned out of a 40-ounce bottle of Old English malt liquor and a designer handkerchief. 'In my opinion, it was targeted,' Jimenez said of the fire, adding that the damage could have been significantly worse had the bottle shattered as intended. Instead, it remained intact, forcing the flames to flicker out rather than spread. Jimenez on Wednesday also alleged that evidence, specifically fingerprint cards, linked to the arson investigation were destroyed in 2012 by 'somebody in the LAPD.' It prompted Diddy's legal team to call for a mistrial, a request that was quickly denied by Judge Arun Subramanian. The defense argued the prosecution's line of questioning and Jimenez's answers unfairly implied Combs was somehow involved in the destruction of evidence. Subramanian disagreed, concluding 'there was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way, shape or form.' Kid Cudi testified last week that he believed Diddy was the one behind the Porsche fire. Federal prosecutors also contended Combs was responsible and included the incident among several acts of alleged wrongdoing supporting the racketeering charge against him Deonte Nash was hired by Combs as an intern in 2008 after responding to an ad he found on Craigslist. He went on serve as Ventura's stylist from 2009 to 2018, during which time he said they became close friends. On Wednesday, Nash corroborated Ventura's devastating testimony from the start of Diddy's trial, but noted that he didn't 'hate' Combs, despite the violence he witnessed. In one incident, on Ventura's 29th birthday, Nash said Diddy abruptly ended his then-girlfriend's karaoke party because he wanted to engage in one of his marathon sex romps. 'I don't want to freak-off,' she allegedly told Nash, but admitted she gave in because Combs had threatened to ruin her reputation and release the sex tapes if she didn't comply with his demands. The stylist said it was one of several conversations he had with Ventura during which she said she was being forced to participate in the freak-offs. An ex-assistant who used the pseudonym Mia said Combs sexually assaulted her at his 40th birthday party at The Plaza hotel in Manhattan in 2009, and then raped her at his L.A. home shortly thereafter. He also allegedly forced her to perform oral sex at another one of his California properties, and targeted her on other occasions that she said she struggled to recall. Seeking to cast doubt on Mia's accounts during cross examination on Friday, Combs' defense team pulled up several social media posts in which she had heaped praise on the rapper. Mia said the social media site was a place to make it appear as if her life was perfect, even if that was far from the truth. When asked why she continued to work for Diddy if she feared for her safety any time he was upset, as she claimed on the stand, she said the dynamic was complicated. 'He was vulnerable with me quite a bit, so I would feel responsible for helping him, and then I would feel bad for him,' she explained. 'I mean, I can describe it, but I'm not a psychologist or a therapist.' As the trial continues, the jury is expected to hear testimony from a third woman, using the pseudonym Jane, who was also allegedly coerced into the freak-offs and filmed against her will.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What's happened during the Diddy trial? Day-by-day recap
NEW YORK - The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has already cemented itself in pop culture history with its dramatic revelations and high-profile testimonies. As the proceedings unfold in Manhattan federal court, each day brings new insights into the allegations against the former larger-than-life hip-hop mogul, who faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. JUMP TO: KID CUDI'S TESTIMONY | CASSIE'S TESTIMONY Here's a day-by-day recap of the trial, with evidence photos and court sketches included: A former assistant, known by the pseudonym "Mia," recounted witnessing violence against Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and described her own alleged rape and assault by Combs. She described an incident where she and Cassie attended a party hosted by Prince, only for Combs to arrive with bodyguards and allegedly beat Cassie, until Prince's security intervened. Mia testified about her challenging work conditions, including a 24-hour first shift and being held captive in Combs' home for five consecutive days, unable to leave. Earlier in the day, Deonte Nash, former stylist for Combs and Cassie, concluded his testimony with further accounts of Combs' alleged violence towards Cassie, detailing how she used makeup to conceal bruises. Day 15 testimony revealed details about the investigations into Kid Cudi's home invasion and car firebombing. An LAPD officer recounted responding to a burglary call at Cudi's home in December 2011, finding luxury items in plain sight but no signs of a gun or theft. An LA Fire Department arson investigator testified about the targeted damage to Cudi's Porsche in January 2012, noting it was less severe than typical Molotov cocktail damage. In the afternoon, Deonte Nash, Combs' longtime personal stylist and close friend of Cassie, testified about witnessing Combs physically abuse Cassie and being aggressive towards him. Nash described seeing bruises on Cassie's body and mentioned her weekly visits to a hotel with Combs, carrying a black bag of sex toys. On the stand, former Diddy aide Capricorn Clarke described her dedication to her boss, even as she witnessed him abuse Cassie. She recalled one incident where Diddy threatened to "f*** her up" if she tried to intervene as he kicked Cassie. Clarke said she was involved in the alleged Kid Cudi home invasion and faced Combs' anger for not disclosing Cassie's relationship with Cudi. After being fired by Combs in 2012 following the Kid Cudi incident, Clarke said she experienced significant financial hardship, losing her home, car and income, and was blacklisted from the industry. Under cross-examination by Combs' lawyer, however, Clarke struggled to recall key accusations, such as witnessing Combs with a gun. Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Diddy broke into his home in 2011 after discovering Cudi was dating Cassie, and later suspected Combs was behind the firebombing of his car. Cudi described meeting Combs to discuss the incident, but Combs denied involvement, though he apologized years later. During cross-examination, Combs' lawyer suggested Cassie was living a "double life," maintaining relationships with both Combs and Cudi. Additional testimony from Combs' former assistant and a makeup artist detailed instances of Combs' alleged abuse towards Cassie, including physical violence witnessed on a private jet and at a hotel. Testimony on Day 12 of the Diddy trial featured Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, explained the complexities of abusive relationships, including love and trauma bonding, coping mechanisms and memory. Dr. Hughes, paid $6,000 per day for her testimony, highlighted how victims may stay with abusive partners due to emotional bonds and use substances to numb their pain. Dr. Hughes has previously testified in high-profile cases involving Amber Heard, Johnny Depp, R. Kelly and NXIVM founder Keith Raniere. Later, George Kaplan, Diddy's former assistant, testified about cleaning his hotel rooms, often finding items like baby oil, Astroglide, candles and liquor. He described disposing of empty bottles and a powdery substance to maintain Combs' image and recounted being instructed to purchase drugs twice, using cash provided by Combs. Regina Ventura testified that she took out a $20,000 home equity loan in 2011 to prevent Combs from releasing a sexually explicit video of Cassie, marking her first awareness of Cassie's abuse. She advised Cassie to document her bruises and injuries. Male sex worker Sharay Hayes, a prosecution witness, unexpectedly aided the defense by stating he had sex with Cassie eight to 15 times, mostly unprotected, and noted that neither Cassie nor Combs seemed high or drunk. Hayes, also known as "The Punisher," claimed Cassie appeared to enjoy the encounters, though he was not asked back after performance issues. Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon provided new insights into the raid on Diddy's Miami Beach mansion, involving 80 to 95 agents. In Combs' main bedroom, they discovered numerous pairs of 7-inch high heels, lingerie and parts for two AR-15 assault rifles. Testimony continued with two women providing accounts of Diddy's physical violence, supported by incriminating evidence photos from a federal raid on his Manhattan hotel room. The photos revealed a Louis Vuitton bag nicknamed "The Med Bag," containing drugs, baby oil, pills and pink powder. Prosecutors also released photos of Cassie's injuries from alleged abuse, including a gash on her eyebrow that had become a permanent scar. Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard testified about witnessing Combs' abuse of Cassie, saying she once saw Diddy swing a skillet at his former girlfriend. Richard also claimed Diddy threatened her with death, telling her she could "go missing" if she ever told anyone about his abuse. Cassie's former best friend, Kerry Morgan, also took the stand, recounting being beaten with a wooden hanger and offered $30,000 to sign an NDA. The day concluded with Combs' former personal assistant testifying about his demanding work schedule. Cassie concluded her emotional testimony in Diddy's sex trafficking trial, detailing alleged beatings and rapes during their decade-long relationship. Using Cassie's texts to Diddy, the defense portrayed her as a willing participant in "freak-off" sex marathons, highlighting texts where she expressed willingness, though Cassie clarified her emotional reluctance. Cassie also revealed Combs purchased the rights to her book, "The Dark Times," for $20 million, and that she recently reached an estimated $10 million settlement with the Los Angeles hotel where security camera in 2016 shows her being beaten by Diddy. Dawn Richard, a singer who competed in Diddy's reality show "Making the Band," took the stand and testified about witnessing Diddy hit Cassie "on the head and beat her on the ground" during a 2019 visit to his home recording studio. During her first day of cross-examination, Cassie testified that both she and Diddy struggled with drug addiction, revealing his 2012 painkiller overdose. The defense acknowledged Combs' physical abuse but argued it constituted domestic violence rather than sex trafficking, aiming to portray their relationship as toxic and troubled rather than part of a criminal her second day of testimony, Cassie Ventura alleged that Diddy raped her after she ended their decade-long relationship, and subjected her to physical abuse by threatening to release degrading sexual videos. Cassie described being forced into "hundreds" of encounters with male sex workers, which Combs controlled, fearing damage to her career and family if the videos were made public. Prosecutors presented images from these encounters, eliciting shocked reactions from jurors. Cassie had previously sued Combs in 2023 for abuse, settling for $20 million, with numerous similar claims from other women following. On day two of testimony, star witness Cassie Ventura testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs abused and coerced her into participating in "freak offs," elaborate sexual marathons involving male sex workers, during their turbulent relationship. The R&B singer described the "freak offs" as drug-fueled, weekly ordeals lasting up to four days, where she would be asked to arrange sex with strangers and engage in degrading acts as Diddy watched. She described Combs as controlling and violent, recounting a turbulent relationship marked by physical assaults and manipulation. Despite feeling objectified, Cassie said she complied with Combs' demands out of love and fear of repercussions, including threats to leak videos. Once jury selection was finalized, both parties made opening statements. Prosecutors accused Diddy of using violence and threats to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters over 20 years, while Diddy's lawyer argued the case misrepresents consensual relationships as sex trafficking. In the afternoon, the jury began hearing testimony from witnesses, including allegations of coerced sexual encounters involving his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura. Jurors were shown the now-infamous 2016 video of Diddy kicking and dragging Cassie inside a Los Angeles hotel. The first witness, a hotel security guard, testified about responding to the incident in this video and claimed Combs attempted to silence him with a sack of money. The second witness, Daniel Phillips, who identified as a male stripper, testified about being paid to have sex with Cassie Ventura in 2013 while Combs allegedly watched and masturbated. He described being hired under the guise of performing at a bachelorette party, only to find Cassie in red lingerie. He testified about multiple encounters directed by Combs, who allegedly concealed his identity but was recognized by his voice. Diddy's three daughters left the courtroom during Phillips' graphic testimony. Judge Subramanian ruled that Diddy was not treated differently due to his race in the racketeering and sex trafficking charges against him, rejecting a request to dismiss some charges and suppress evidence. The judge emphasized the severity of Combs' alleged criminal conduct from 2004 to 2024, rather than racial bias, as the basis for the prosecution. At the hearing, Subramanian cancelled plans to finish picking the jury for the trial, saying he was worried that some jurors might get "cold feet" and back out of the case by Monday if they had the weekend to think about it. Two jurors were removed from Sean "Diddy" Combs' jury pool despite expressing a strong desire to serve, due to conflicts of interest. One juror had seen a security video of Combs and initially assumed his guilt but claimed it wouldn't bias her judgment. Another juror was an HBO employee, and the defense noted the "Downfall of Diddy" documentary, which portrays Combs negatively, might be referenced during the trial. By the end of the day, 45 jurors remained in the pool. By the end of Day 2, Judge Arun Subramanian assembled a pool of 35 potential jurors, 10 short of the needed 45 for the Diddy trial. Several jurors were disqualified for perceived biases and conflicts, including one man who doubted he could refrain from smoking marijuana during the trial. Combs actively engaged in the process, rising from his chair as jurors entered or exited. Despite media exposure to the infamous video of Diddy beating Cassie at an LA hotel, some jurors with strong impressions were not dismissed from the pool. Diddy's sex trafficking trial kicking off with jury selection. Judge Arun Subramanian briefed prospective jurors on the charges, emphasizing Combs' presumption of innocence. He told them the trial is expected to last about eight weeks, with court sessions scheduled Monday through Friday, excluding certain holidays. Prospective jurors were questioned individually about potential biases, including views on law enforcement and hip-hop artists, and were asked to review a list of names potentially involved in the trial: Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Michelle Williams, Kid Cudi, Dallas Austin, Laurieann Gibson, Lauren London, Aubrey O'Day, Don Richard and Cassie Ventura. By the end of the day, 19 of 32 prospective jurors advanced, with many acknowledging prior exposure to the infamous video of Diddy beating Cassie but asserting it wouldn't affect their judgment.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Edinburgh Live
Origins and timeline of Edinburgh's gangland war as police launch huge operation
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp Edinburgh officers are hopeful for a reprieve amid rumours warring factions in the ongoing gangland feud agreed a truce. Streets across the capital and Glasgow have descended into chaos in the past few months but there is hope an end to the conflict is in sight. With this in mind, the Record looks at some of the key incidents thought to involve drug lords including Mark Richardson and Ross McGill as well as the Daniel and Lyons crime clans. March 6. A masked and hooded thug is caught on camera throwing a Molotov cocktail at a beauty salon in Leith, run by jailed drug lord Mark Richardson's partner Stephanie Dignan. It signals the beginning of a new drug war. March 11. Stephanie's dad Steven's warehouse in Musselburgh, East Lothian is set ablaze. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. March 16 Another firebombing, this time in Portobello. A garage goes up in flames in the coastal suburb's Milton Road East. March 20. A shooting at a property in Niddrie linked to Richardson shocks residents when three shots ring out before the hood responsible flees in a white BMW. March 21. More gunshots are fired as a window is blasted at a ground floor flat in the city's West Pilton Bank at about 7.55am. March 23 A yob hurls a petrol bomb through a window of a property in Hay Drive, Niddrie, with a chilling video clip shared online later. (Image: Supplied) April 4 The Hay Drive property is targeted again. The blaze spreads to the house next door, with a dozen firefighters battling the flames. April 7. Four firebombing attacks in 24 hours, include three properties in Glasgow which are linked to the Daniel crime clan. Brazen hoods taking time to gloat by posting videos on social media to warn of more attacks. April 8 A Glasgow factory linked to the Daniel family is firebombed as the gangland turf war escalates. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 26 April 2025. Four men appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to face fire raising and firearms offences following dawn raids. May 8 The office of Deuce Private Hire taxi firm, believed to be another business linked to the Daniel clan and Edinburgh crime boss Mark Richardson in Glasgow, is torched . May 22. Machete thugs slice open the skull of Mark Richardson's pal David McMillan snr, 54 in a bloody attack. He fights back before the thugs fled and drives himself to hospital.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Gangland feud timeline as key incidents turn Glasgow and Edinburgh streets into warzone
We look at some of the key incidents thought to involve drug lords including Mark Richardson and Dubai-based so-called Mr Big, Ross McGill as well as the Daniel and Lyons crime clans. Police are hoping for a let up in the gang feud that has turned the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh into a warzone in recent weeks. With the end of the war in sight, we look at some of the key incidents thought to involve drug lords including Mark Richardson and Ross McGill as well as the Daniel and Lyons crime clans. March 6. A masked and hooded thug is caught on camera throwing a Molotov cocktail at a beauty salon in Leith, run by jailed drug lord Mark Richardson's partner Stephanie Dignan. It signals the beginning of a new drug war. March 11. Stephanie's dad Steven's warehouse in Musselburgh, East Lothian is set ablaze. March 16 Another firebombing, this time in Portobello. A garage goes up in flames in the coastal suburb's Milton Road East. March 20. A shooting at a property in Niddrie linked to Richardson shocks residents when three shots ring out before the hood responsible flees in a white BMW. March 21. More gunshots are fired as a window is blasted at a ground floor flat in the city's West Pilton Bank at about 7.55am. March 23 A yob hurls a petrol bomb through a window of a property in Hay Drive, Niddrie, with a chilling video clip shared online later. April 4 The Hay Drive property is targeted again. The blaze spreads to the house next door, with a dozen firefighters battling the flames. April 7. Four firebombing attacks in 24 hours, include three properties in Glasgow which are linked to the Daniel crime clan. Brazen hoods taking time to gloat by posting videos on social media to warn of more attacks. April 8 A Glasgow factory linked to the Daniel family is firebombed as the gangland turf war escalates. 26 April 2025. Four men appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to face fire raising and firearms offences following dawn raids. May 8 The office of Deuce Private Hire taxi firm, believed to be another business linked to the Daniel clan and Edinburgh crime boss Mark Richardson in Glasgow, is torched . May 22. Machete thugs slice open the skull of Mark Richardson's pal David McMillan sn r, 54 in a bloody attack. He fights back before the thugs fled and drives himself to hospital.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Aide Capricorn Clark Testifies He Kidnapped Her At Gunpoint In Plot To Kill Kid Cudi
During Sean 'Diddy' Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial, a former top aide for the disgraced hip-hop mogul testified on Tuesday that Combs kidnapped her at gunpoint as part of an attempt to kill rapper Kid Cudi, who dated Cassie Ventura briefly in December 2011. Between 2004 and 2018, a woman named Capricorn Clark worked as a global brand director for Bad Boy Entertainment, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Per Clark's testimony on Tuesday, Combs showed up at her home one morning and ordered her to get dressed while holding a gun because 'we're going to kill Cudi.' They rode together in a black Cadillac to Cudi's Hollywood Hills home. Upon arriving, Clark said that Combs and his bodyguard broke into Cudi's home. Meanwhile, Clark called Ventura on a burner phone, telling her that Combs 'got me with a gun and brought me to Cudi's house to kill him.' According to Clark's testimony, Cudi, who was with Ventura at the time of the phone call, could be heard in the background asking, 'He's in my house?' Clark pleaded with Ventura to stop Cudi, who was on his way to his home, because she was worried that 'he's going to get himself killed.' Clark stated that Combs eventually returned to the car she was in, demanding to know who she was talking to on the phone. She added that when Combs heard Cudi's car coming up the road, Combs and his bodyguard jumped in the car and chased after Cudi, testifying that they only stopped because they passed police cars that were heading toward Cudi's home. After the incident, Clark said that Combs instructed everyone who was present to convince Cudi that 'it wasn't me' or else 'I'll kill all you.' On her first day working with Combs, Clark testified that she was taken to Central Park after 9 p.m. She said Combs told her that he wasn't aware that she had worked with other rappers before hiring her. Clark also stated that she was once taken to an empty building in Manhattan, where she was held for five days after being accused of stealing jewelry from Combs. She said she was repeatedly given a lie detector test by a man who told her, 'If you fail this test they're going to throw you in the East River.' According to Cudi's May 23 testimony, the fact that several Christmas gifts he had purchased were opened and his dog was locked in the bathroom made it apparent that Combs had entered his home. Shortly after the holiday season, Cudi broke things off with Ventura since 'the drama was just getting out of hand.' But in January 2012, Cudi's dog sitter called him to let him know that his Porsche was on fire. A Molotov cocktail had been found near the vehicle. Although Combs is believed to be responsible for Cudi's car explosion, the allegations have never been confirmed. However, during his testimony, Cudi said that he believed Combs was lying when he said he didn't know anything about the car explosion. Now, Diddy's lawyers are fighting to have Cudi's comments about the car explosion struck from the record. In a May 26 filing, Diddy's lawyers argued that 'Mescudi's opinion that Mr. Combs was 'lying' about his Porsche was erroneously admitted and should be stricken from the record' because it poses 'significant dangers of unfair prejudice,' USA Today post Diddy Aide Capricorn Clark Testifies He Kidnapped Her At Gunpoint In Plot To Kill Kid Cudi appeared first on Blavity.
